HI-TECH devices designed to help elderly people keep out the despicable thieves who prey on them in their own homes are to be handed out in a crime-busting first.

The Shuttle/Times & News has joined forces with district police to try to curb the rise in so-called "distraction raids" - committed by crooks who con their way into homes before stealing valuables and cash.

Our campaign - dubbed "Keep 'Em Out" - aims to raise awareness and offer practical help to deter would-be thieves.

Today's launch comes as police in Kidderminster celebrate securing £15,000 Home Office funding to pay for hundreds of "door reminder" warning systems for potential victims.

The campaign has earned praise from Wyre Forest District Council leader Liz Davies.

She said: "I give it my wholehearted support".

Sgt Jeff Hill said the new devices could prove a crucial tool in the fight against distraction raids

These are occurring at the rate of about one a week in Wyre Forest.

"It's a particularly nasty type of crime and we want to do all we can to encourage people not to let them in."

In an incident last December, two women in their 80s were targeted in the same Kidderminster street by three youths who made off with a handbag and cash.

A total of 32 similar incidents have been reported in Wyre Forest since April last year - the equivalent of about one a week.

The total number of "distraction" crimes across the whole of the West Mercia force area for the previous year was 135.