Police are appealing for help from the public to stop distraction burglars in their tracks.

Between April and November last year there were 504 distraction burglaries in the Thames Valley. Bogus callers, who use tricks to get into people's homes and steal, prey on the most vulnerable members of the community.

They are urging anyone who has a suspicious call at their home - even if they do not let them in - to call police immediately.

Det Ch Insp Rob Angell, who heads the force's Safer Homes campaign aimed at cutting domestic burglary, said: "Distraction burglary may only make up a small percentage of our domestic burglary offences but it is the offence which can have the most devastating impact on the victim and the wider community.

"We are determined to do all we can, with the public's help, to stop opportunist criminals."

Thames Valley Crimestoppers chairman Roy Trustram Eve is also urging anyone who thinks they might know the burglars to contact them anonymously.

"Distraction burglary is a particularly nasty crime and the criminals who pursue it are detestable," he said.

"Communities can take action to drive these criminals out, either by removing, where practical, the signs these opportunists look out for, or letting the police know immediately if they are approached by a suspicious caller."

Relatives, neighbours and carers, both professional and volunteer, are asked to check the security of vulnerable people's homes to ensure they do not attract opportunist criminals.

Unkempt gardens, a poor state of repair, handrails and ramps all indicate to distraction burglars that the owners could be vulnerable or elderly.

Mr Angell added: "It is vital that people contact us immediately if they are approached by a suspicious caller. This information will help us track distraction burglars, and may even lead to us arresting someone before they have a chance to commit further crime.

"This crime is severely under-reported and due to the vulnerable nature of the victims it is sometimes very difficult to get the information we need to catch the culprits."

A leaflet available at police stations gives prevention advice, including the numbers of agencies which can assist in repair work or fitting security devices.

Police can be contacted on 08458 505505 and Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.