POLICE in Kennet and South Wiltshire have responded quickly after the New Year saw an increase in the number of distraction burglaries against elderly and vulnerable people.

In January more than 20 incidents were reported, with even more attempted burglaries being prevented by alert potential victims. The methods used by criminals range from pretending to be from the utilities companies, to needing to search for a lost dog in the back garden and asking for a drink of water for their child. In every case they are very plausible and gain the confidence of a trusting generation.

Police spokesman David Taylor said: "Although a number of measures are being taken to catch the culprits, detection is rarely easy because they prey upon elderly residents, often those with poor health or eyesight who are unable to offer accurate descriptions of the criminals."

Now, with the help of Kennet Community Safety Partnership, funding has been obtained to fit 'Lifeline' alarms where the occupant has been a victim or in locations that are seen as particularly vulnerable.