DISTRACTION burglaries have fallen by more than a fifth in the area covered by the County Gazette, police have claimed.

Officers across the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area have been targeting distraction burglars who prey on the elderly, calling on them at home, conning their way in and stealing cash.

Superintendent Sandy Padgett said: "This is such a cowardly crime, taking advantage of some of the most vulnerable people in our neighbourhoods, and officers and police staff are determined to tackle it.

"The key message is if in doubt, keep them out'."

He said the police crackdown had been supported by agencies caring for the elderly, as well as people with elderly friends, neighbours and relations.

"They've been helping us by reminding older people of simple security measures, like using door chains and viewers before opening up and checking id before letting anyone in.

"We also want them to help older people get to banks, so they don't keep large amounts of cash at home.

"Officers have also been working hard to target the offenders with intelligence-led operations and the message is beginning to get through to them that Avon and Somerset Constabulary will track them down," he added.

Figures released by the police show that as of May there were 26 per cent fewer distraction burglaries compared with the same period in 2006-07.

Officers are also catching more offenders, having doubled the detection rate compared with 2006-07.

Supt Padgett said: "It's really important that people look out for their elderly neighbours. If you see anyone acting suspiciously who appears to be targeting the older people in the street please call police on 0845 456 7000 and give us chance to catch them."

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