PEOPLE throughout Worces-tershire are being urged to work with the police following a number of distraction burglaries.

West Mercia Constabulary wants communities to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods, It has set up a Knock Knock campaign following six distraction burglaries which were committed in Worcester, Kidderminster, Droitwich and Bromsgrove on Wednes-day, September 13, and another in Telford, Shropshire, the following day.

Specialist Knock Knock teams will investigate incidents of distraction burglaries, target suspects and known offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, from the force crime squad, said: "Distrac-tion burglary is a devastating and despicable crime carried out by offenders targeting elderly and people who are vulnerable.

"The specialist teams we have set up are committed to thoroughly investigating every distraction burglary that takes place in the West Mercia region.

"We are determined to crack down on the cruel offenders who are responsible for carrying out these ruthless crimes and bring the criminals to justice.

"However, we need people out in the communities to be our eyes and ears and report any suspicious activity they see taking place in their neighbourhoods.

"The suspicious activity could include unfamiliar cars being parked in the same spot for a long period of time with people sat inside them, people who you don't recognise hanging around and people, who aren't from the area, knocking on doors offering to do gardening or odd jobs. If a particular car does raise your suspicions please note down the number plate and if possible take a photograph.

"If it's a person who is making you feel uneasy then jot down a description of what they look like and what they are wearing before calling the police."

Anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood should call police on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

The force's Knock Knock campaign aims to raise awareness about distraction burglaries and it will offer advice about crime prevention to help people make their lives more secure.

For further information about preventing distraction burglaries in your neighbourhood visit the community safety section of the West Mercia website at www.westmercia.police.uk