WATCH out for your neighbour and help beat the burglars - that's the message in a new police crackdown in Bromsgrove.

The Knock, Knock campaign has been launched by West Mercia police to catch the "cowardly and callous" criminals who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.

It urges everyone to be on the look-out for unusual and suspicious vehicles in their neighbourhood and to call the police with information which might help catch the crooks.

"Distraction burglaries cause untold misery to the elderly and vulnerable members of our communities," said West Mercia Chief Constable Paul West, as he launched the initiative.

Research has led police to believe that the kind of crime where the burglar gains entry by trickery happens less in areas where there are "visible and subtle signs of caring."

"By becoming a little more vigilant we can also help to reduce people's fear of crime," Mr West said. "Older and vulnerable people are proud of their independence and have a right to live fulfilling lives, free from crime. There is much that friends, neighbours and people from organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch and WRVS, among others, can do to make their lives more secure."

Figures show the West Mercia area is one of the safest places in the country and the force has been successful in the last three years in cutting distraction burglaries. In 2001, 442 were reported and in 2003, it fell by 25 per cent to 318.

Bus adverts are being displayed around the county and a specialist team of officers has been set up.

The Knock, Knock campaign calls on everyone to help by keeping their eyes open and jotting down information on suspicious people and vehicles. All information can be called in to 08457 444 888.