Burglary victims will receive a property-marking kit to deter potential raiders, thanks to the Great Horton Community Partnership receiving a Water Works Award.

The group plans to spend the cash on Alpha Dot, a system that labels property with a micro-sized number that can be seen with a microscope.

The numbers are then held on a database which is only accessible to the police, so that stolen property can be identified and returned to its owner.

Stickers and signs saying that the scheme is in use will also be put up in streets and distributed to homeowners to deter thieves.

The Alpha Dot kits will be handed out to 100 homes in Great Horton that have been burgled recently or are occupied by more vulnerable people, such as young mothers or elderly people.

The Great Horton Community Partnership was formed last year in response to the rise and fear of crime in the Great Horton area.

It is made up of residents who receive aid and guidance from local councillors, the police, Bradford Anti-Crime Partnership and Royds Community Association, which helps community groups look at delivering local services. The group aims to hold events and activities for the whole community, such as roadshows and fun days to educate people and bring them together.

It is also looking into longer term projects such as closed circuit television cameras, street lighting and providing facilities for young people.

Joanne Dodds, who runs the crime and safety group, said: "The partnership was set up because everyone was so fed up of crime here.

"There is a strong community spirit in the area and it is the aim of the partnership to build on this spirit by bringing the community closer together and making it a safer place to live and work."

"We are grateful for the award as the Alpha Dot scheme will tackle the fear of crime in the area.

"When you protect people's property it gives residents a sense of reassurance. Burglars are less likely to take marked property as it is harder to get rid of."

The awards scheme is being held as Yorkshire Water undertakes a £75 million three-year scheme to improve Bradford's sewage system.

The company acknowledges the work will cause major disruption to residents and has devised the project as a way of supporting the communities affected by this vital work.

Each month a panel featuring representatives of the Telegraph & Argus and Yorkshire Water will pick the group that is felt to be making the best contribution to the community. The winner will receive £500 from a £100,000 awards fund.

Anyone who wants to apply for an award should write to the Water Works Award c/o the editor, Telegraph & Argus, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1JR.

Tell us why your group should be a recipient of the prize and how you would spend the money. All entries must include a daytime telephone number.

The groups which missed out this month will automatically be considered for further awards.

Each month a different organisation will receive the cash award to fund projects of benefit to the community.