MORE than 1,000 older residents in Comet country can ask for free safety alarms to give them extra security while they are out. Stevenage Borough Council has given £2,000 to the town s community safety partnership to provide 1,140 personal safety alarms.

MORE than 1,000 older residents in Comet country can ask for free safety alarms to give them extra security while they are out.

Stevenage Borough Council has given £2,000 to the town's community safety partnership to provide 1,140 personal safety alarms.

The alarms make a very loud continuous noise (130 decibels) which would shock an attacker and give a victim vital seconds to get away.

The mini key ring alarms are discreet and slim, and can be kept in a bag or pocket or attached to a purse to give people extra security while travelling.

Community safety manager Sally Flint said: "Stevenage is one of the safest places to live in the UK. The likelihood of being attacked is a lot lower than people think. Despite this, we still want older people to feel safe and secure and a personal alarm is one way of achieving this."

The alarms are available by calling 01438 757165.

The council has issued the following advice to keep safe:

* Your alarm is there to shock an attacker. This will give you vital seconds to get away.

* Keep your alarm close to hand where you can get to it easily.

* Practise using your alarm. If you know what it sounds like then you won't scare yourself if you have to use it.

* Trust your instincts - if you notice something unusual or suspicious then report it to the police and keep yourself safe.