OFFICIALLY it's called burglary artifice - a grand sounding name for the low crime of conning your way into a vulnerable victim's home and stealing valuables. Better known as distraction burglary, the offence is all too familiar to county police.

Now PC Charles Naylor, Herefordshire Division's crime prevention manager, is promoting a 'best practice' kit devised to defeat devious doorsteppers.

Inside are a range of measures employed against unwanted intruders, from something as simple as a memo minder with advice on dealing with suspicious approaches to a 'doorscape' device offering clear images of who might be making that approach.

Herefordshire suffers regular spates of distraction burglary, and it's usually the elderly who are targeted.

Recently, the offences took a new twist. 'Robbers' claiming to be plain-clothes cops preyed on pensioners across the county; so-called security checks were their cover for snatching cash and valuables.

Four arrests

The act didn't always prove plausible. Sometimes a simple 'no' sent the suspects packing.

But it worked more often than not, for nearly a month, until police made four arrests.

Often such tricksters will work across county borders, spending a short time in one area having been successful with similar ruses elsewhere.

So Herefordshire detectives are working with colleagues in neighbouring forces on Operation Liberate, targeting and exchanging intelligence on known distraction burglars.

Playing a part in keeping them out means paying between £1.20-£12.76 for PC Naylor's products, the price for peace of mind perhaps?

(BLOB) PC Naylor can be contacted at Hereford central police station (01432 276422). Any information on or concerns about distraction burglary can be passed to the same number or the 0800 555 111 Crime Stoppers line.