POLICE have joined forces with Age Concern Wiltshire to crack down on distraction burglars.

Together they have produced an information leaflet about distraction burglaries, to be given to banks and building societies.

Local banks and building societies can play a valuable role in protecting victims because in some cases the victim is escorted to their local branch to withdraw money from their account.

Many offences of this nature have fortunately been noticed by alert bank staff themselves.

The Wiltshire Police leaflet outlines procedures that should be adopted by all staff in the event of an elderly or vulnerable adult, attempting to withdraw unusually large amounts of cash.

The initiative also seeks to educate the public about measures they can take to protect themselves in their home, and also how to decrease the chances of them becoming the next victim.

Mark Abbott, neighbourhood watch and crime reduction officer for North and West Wiltshire, said: "Our aim is to make local residents aware of the potential danger posed by distraction burglars, especially the elderly and more vulnerable members of the community. The effects can be devastating for each victim."

A common claim made by bogus callers is that they are from one of the utility companies operating in the area, and that there is a gas or water leak, or that they are there to read meters or check the pipes inside the house.