SEAFORD, De-If you've been alone at your home at night, you know how important outdoor lighting is in terms of your security.
But not everyone in Seaford has outdoor lighting--especially those east of Cedar Avenue. Poor lighting, officials say, has contributed to higher crime rates in the area due to dimly lit houses.
But city officials are hoping to change that by bringing LED lights to this area at no cost to homeowners.
"These are much more efficient than an incandescent bulb, and they last much longer," Trisha Newcomer with the city said.
The campaign is a partnership through The HELP Initiative, Inc., Delaware Municipal Electric Cooperation, as well as the Seaford Police.
Officials say by having improved lighting, it can reduce crime by 21 percent.
Seaford Police hope these lights will help with burglary and drug dealing in affected areas.
"We're hoping that they realize it's not going to be so easy for me to go ahead and do my hand to hand drug deal because people may actually observe it now," Police Chief Robert Kracyla said.
Theresa Shahan hopes the lights will help keep her 95-year-old father who lives in Seaford safe.
"I do think that it would be a deterrent if people in their homes would leave their porch light and side lights on because I do think that would be a deterrent for criminal activity," she said.
The lights have already been a success in Dover, police say--they hope to mirror that same success here in Seaford.
Police are still encouraging that anyone who sees suspicious activity, regardless of the lights, call the police.