Distraction burglaries in Wootton Bassett remain a police priority after annual figures have shown an increase in the number of cases where elderly residents have fallen prey to visiting conmen.

A new report, presented to the town council by Wootton Bassett Police, shows a rise in total crime reported from 641 crimes in 2003/04 to 709 crimes in 2004/05.

But while figures show an increase in dwelling burglaries and vehicle crime all other areas of reported crime have decreased, including violent crime and criminal damage.

Sgt Andy Fortune of Wootton Bassett Police said: "Distraction burglaries continue to be a particular problem and therefore remain a priority. They tend to be targeted at the older residents but people do seem to be taking our advice and not letting strangers into their houses and we are getting more cases of foiled attempts being reported.

"Our advice would always be to ring 999 and get us out there."

Detection rates where offenders have either been cautioned or charged have risen in all areas of crime, with Wootton Bassett Police performing well above the national police force average in several areas.

Sgt Fortune said residents need not be overly concerned with the rise in reported crime. He said: "The fact that more crime is being reported does not necessarily mean more crimes are being committed, it just means that more residents are telling us about it.

"That is good because it helps us gather information, spot patterns and hopefully catch those responsible. The more information we have, the better we can do our job."