More than 100 gates have been fitted to alleyways across Bristol to keep burglars at bay.

Under the alleygate scheme, which has been running for six years, residents club together to buy and fit the gates.

They can also get grants from the Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust.

As well as keeping thieves away, the gates stop people fly-tipping in secluded back lanes.

Wherever the high metal gates have been fitted, crime has gone down.

All the gates have keys or keypads which cannot be copied without the permission or knowledge of the residents.

This means only local people with direct access to the area from their property can open the gates.

Since the majority of break-ins take place at the back of homes, with only 15 per cent of burglars gaining entry from the front, the alleygate initiative has proved very successful in cutting burglaries.

Crime figures show within six months of gates being fitted to alleyways in Toronto Road and Jocelyn Road, Horfield, anti-social behaviour and burglaries have been completely stopped.

The latest alleygate scheme is in Headley Park.

After enduring years of anti-social behaviour and break-ins, neighbours Mark Laken and Paul Norley decided to take action.

Rolls Royce engineer Mr Laken, 46, who has lived in Durleigh Close for 27 years, said: "My house was burgled just before Christmas.

"They took everything from the TV to Christmas presents and Playstation games.

"We think they had been driving round the lanes checking out the houses to see if they could see any movement.

"They can't do that now. We feel more secure."

For Paul Norley, 37, of St Peter's Rise, the main problem was noise created by local teenagers mucking about in the back lanes.

He said: "We had problems throughout last summer. The kids would gather near the church, the police would clear them from there and they would congregate in the lane at the back of our house.

"It would be noisy until 10 or 11pm. The gates have stopped other problems too such as broken glass, litter and dog mess."

About 50 homes contributed £27.40 each towards the gates and they got a grant from the Avon and Somerset Community Trust.

They heard about the scheme from local police community support officer Alison Orton and it took 10 months to implement.

Mr Norley said: "The initial stage of the scheme was to establish how many other residents were on board, as you need support of the majority.

"In this case 88 per cent were in favour and the council and police agreed we had a worthy case.

"We estimated the total cost of the gates and locks would be around £2,000. The Police Community Trust kindly agreed to pay approximately £1,000 towards this cost."

Mr Laken said: "Although the scheme took some perseverance, it was definitely worth it.

"Paul and I have had such an overwhelming response from the local community and many of the residents have told us they now feel more secure in their homes.

"The scheme has brought our community together."

Ms Orton said: "The results from Headley Park have been so positive that we have already seen an increase in the number of people looking to get involved in other nearby areas.

"This particular scheme has already reduced the number of unwanted visitors to the area, meaning the residents are able to leave their house, garden or garage without the fear of being a victim of or indeed a witness to a criminal act.

"It is such a simple solution to a difficult problem and one that provides immediate piece of mind for those living in the area."

Alleygate co-ordinator Holly Dawson said: "The scheme has gone from strength to strength. It is a simple, yet highly successful way to reduce crime and fear of crime.

"In many cases the alleygates have significantly reduced burglary rates, if not stopped it altogether."

Julia Gagliardi, community safety officer for the Safer Bristol Partnership said city council community safety officers could give support through every stage of the process, including giving practical help completing funding application forms.

Assistant Chief Constable John Long said: "One of the priorities of the Safer Bristol Partnership is to reduce crime and the fear of crime and ensure local residents feel part of a thriving community.

"The alleygate scheme galvanises communities to work together to make their area a safer place to live."

Environment and community safety supremo Gary Hopkins, said: "The results speak for themselves.

"The financial contribution that we have allocated demonstrates our commitment to take practical steps to make our city safer and healthier."

Police Community Trust chairwoman Dr Moira Hamlin said: "The trustees continue to support alleygate schemes which they consider being an excellent means of protecting local people from crime and anti-social behaviour."

For more information visit www.bristol.gov.uk.