KEY to the success of any initiative to tackle distraction burglaries is persuading vulnerable and elderly people - many of them isolated and lonely - that strangers turning up on their doorsteps should not be let in.

Some of the incidents reported to Kidderminster police have involved a person or persons claiming they need help - sometimes the use of a phone because of an accident, a drink of water or use of the toilet.

It can be hard for a trusting older person to turn them away, but what they ought to do in these circumstances is keep the person locked outside and offer to make the phone call for them, or simply turn them away with a polite "sorry".

Never go outside or let them in unless you have someone with you.

Other incidents involve people claiming to be from water or gas services, or other recognised organisations. In those cases the resident should ask for identity and a contact telephone number and call first to check the credentials of the caller.

If the person is "bogus" they will almost certainly leave at this stage.