Security at the homes of distraction burglary victims is being tightened up in a bid to prevent them being repeatedly targeted.
Police have teamed up with Oxford city and Oxfordshire county councils, fire service and trading standards officers to develop a support package which makes it more difficult for bogus callers to get away with cash and valuables belonging to elderly and vulnerable people.
To date, none of the victims who have been helped by the scheme have had another burglary.
Spy holes, intercom systems for victims and timers -- which turn lights on in the evening to make addresses look less vulnerable -- are among the measures fitted for free.
Other hi-tech measures include fitting 'memo minders' -- messages triggered by movement that remind elderly people near their front door to use the door chain before opening it to callers.
New door and window locks, doors, fences, gates and smoke alarms can also be fitted free of charge.
The package also includes an agreement with social housing landlords to fit the same equipment for tenants. Vulnerable people can also be referred to other agencies if further support is needed.
Distraction burglary has fallen in the past financial year in Oxford. From April 1 2004 to the end of February this year, there were 46 "distractions" in the city. This is 18 fewer than the same period in 2003-2004.
Anyone purporting to be from the water or gas boards should not be admitted, since the the boards have not existed for several years.
Bruce McLaren, manager of the county council's safer communities unit, said: "Crimes which exploit some of the most vulnerable members of our community are traumatic for the victims and put a strain on support organisations. By working together, we can pool our strengths and turn this trauma into positive action.
He added that the council planned to expand the scheme.
Judith Taylor, crime reduction manager for Oxford police said: "Distraction burglary is a particularly nasty crime in that the offenders knowingly target the vulnerable and elderly in communities."
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