Burglars who trick their way into houses and target the elderly and vulnerable are the targets of a national police campaign.

‘Not sure? Don’t open the door’ is the message at the heart of Operation Liberal’s public awareness campaign against distraction burglars.

The campaign, sponsored by the Energy Retail Association (ERA), aims to make people aware of the tactics used by distraction burglars and how they can prevent themselves from becoming potential victims.

Det Chief Insp Joe Kidman, of Thames Valley Police, said: “We are working with forces across the country to tell people about some of the lies distraction burglars use to get into peoples homes.

"Our message is clear - If you are not sure, don’t open the door.

“There is no reason why a stranger should ever come into your home. All agencies or utility companies should make an appointment and also use a password system. It is important to know that there is no such thing as the ‘water board’.

"If you think that someone is trying to con their way into your home call 999 immediately.

“Although the number of distraction burglaries across the force is relatively low compared to some other crimes, the high impact of the crime, often on the most vulnerable, makes us determined to stop those responsible.

“Our work with other forces in our region and nationally has proved very effective in reducing the number of offences by a third since 2006.

"We have worked together to mount joint operations which have caught offenders, even in the act, and then we can charge them with other offences they are linked to, without regard to force boundaries.

“If you see people calling at houses and are suspicious of their intentions, call the police on 999 immediately.

“I would also like to encourage anyone with elderly or vulnerable relatives or neighbours, or people they care for, to check their home security and get this positive message to as many people as possible - It’s your home and if you’re not sure, don’t open the door. The safest way to deal with an unknown caller is to keep them out.”

A distraction burglary is defined as where one or more offenders trick or distract an occupant in order to gain entry to the premises before committing burglary.

Deputy Chief Constable Peter Goodman, who is the DCC for collaboration in the East Midlands and the Association of Chief Police Officer’s (ACPO) lead for Operation Liberal, said: ”This type of crime is despicable; victims of distraction burglary can suffer terribly both emotionally and physically.

"When you consider the average age of a victim is 81-years-old, you can understand why many suffer a decline in health afterwards and why it can seriously affect their trust and faith in people afterwards.

“From January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009, there were 8,057 distraction burglary offences reported to police across England and Wales, which is a 13 per cent reduction compared with 9,223 reported offences during 2008.

"This campaign aims to reduce the number of potential victims still further, ensuring the public are equipped with crime prevention advice.”

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell supports the campaign. He said: “Burglary has fallen 54 per cent since 1997 and we are determined to take action against those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community, which is why we have taken action with a £15m package of support.

"Most recently we launched a national campaign providing simple practical advice on how to deal with bogus callers.

“But it is vital people remember to check the identity of any stranger who calls at their home, genuine callers will not mind waiting. Help and support is available from the police, local authorities, and utility companies so please make sure you use it.”

The campaign will see the roll out of posters to police forces which feature four elderly models and depict commonly usedmethods of distraction burglary. The posters will be placed at hearts of communities such as Post Offices, doctors' surgeries, places of worship, community centres, bingo halls, charity shops, newsagents and hospitals.

Forces will also receive newly designed Distraction Burglary Victim Information leaflets containing useful contacts and crime prevention advice, to be given to all victims of distraction burglary.

The leaflet will also contain information about how to sign up to your energy supplier’s Priority Service Register and Password Scheme by calling the Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99). This is a free phone advice and information service run by the Energy Retail Association.

Julian Anderton, head of operations for the Energy Retail Association, said: “Distraction burglary is an abhorrent crime and the energy industry is committed to supporting Operation Liberal - to educate communities and support victims of this crime. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and to know that callers to their home are legitimate.

“By calling the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99, elderly residents can ask about joining their energy supplier’s Priority Service Register, and sign up to the Password Scheme which will help households identify legitimate visitors from their energy supplier.”

The Energy Retail Association works closely with government, charities and other organisations to ensure a co-ordinated approach to dealing with industry and consumer issues including tackling fuel poverty and protecting vulnerable customers, energy efficiency and ensuring good sales practice through the Energy Sure Code.