ELDERLY people in the Vale are increasingly becoming the target of conmen and rogue traders.

Distraction burglaries in the district have risen by five per cent in the last year.

Evesham PC Tom Iddon told members of the Evesham, Pershore & Districts Police Community Consultative Group last Wednesday that increasing awareness was essential and the community needed to tackle the problem together.

PC Iddon said: "All crimes are despicable but these types of crimes are aimed mainly at the elderly and more vulnerable members of society. We have to educate people and it does work. Last year I did 15 talks to pensioners and once they start learning we will start winning the war."

The officer highlighted several different ruses used by criminals in recent years. One included a 90-year-old man who was tricked into handing over £5,000 by a pair of cowboy workmen. Bogus council officials also distracted an elderly widow while an accomplice stole items from her home.

PC Iddon added: "What can also help is Neighbourhood Watch schemes - curtain twitching is not being nosy, it's neighbourliness and it used to happen all the time. The minority of calls to the police are about crime. The rest are about quality of life issues, community problems which should be solved by the community."

Wychavon District Council can fit a variety of safety devices, including spy holes, intercom systems and cameras, free of charge in vulnerable residents' homes.

For more information about the service contact David Hemming on 01386 565301.