A CAMPAIGN has been launched by Wiltshire Police to try to combat distraction burglaries.

Police aim to target known offenders in crime and distraction burglary hotspots, and to provide householders with the advice they need to reduce their chances of becoming a victim.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be working with the Bobby Van to ensure that residents’ homes are secure.

Police have issued the following advice:

• Don’t open your door to anyone, unless you are expecting a visit from them.

• Check the identity of callers by phoning the company they claim to be from but don’t use any telephone numbers provided by the caller.

• Contact a neighbour or friend to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them.

• Turn away anyone purporting to be from the ‘water board’ as it has not existed for 28 years.

• Keep cash in the bank.

• Consider storing valuable jewellery in a bank deposit and registering property with a registration company such as Immobilise.

• Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area.

• If somebody asks for your help don’t feel pressurised into letting them in.

• Never agree to have work carried out by someone who knocks on the door, posts flyers or is just passing.

Anyone reporting a crime in action is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 999 and any other information should be reported to police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.