"Dyfed-Powys Police are fully supporting the All Wales Distraction Burglary campaign designed to reduce the number of bogus caller offences," stated Inspector Alan Lewis, of the Community Safety Department, this week.

"These offenders have a terrible and disproportionate effect upon their victims who are often the elderly and most vulnerable people in our communities. This year, 35 such offences have been recorded in the Dyfed Powys Police area and, although this is the lowest number of such offences in Wales, it is still far too high. We will be working with the other Welsh Forces, partner agencies and businesses who regularly come in contact with our older citizens to try to reduce these type of offences.

"The campaign, which was launched on December 1, will concentrate on enforcement by the sharing of information and intelligence on travelling criminals and taking positive action. It will also concentrate upon a crime prevention campaign to educate those at most risk, but also very importantly to highlight to the families, friends and neighbours of those at risk, of the dangers and to enlist their support to protect their loved ones.

"Dyfed-Powys Police along with the other Welsh Forces will take part in a poster campaign and distribute crime prevention advice to heighten people's awareness. The principal crime prevention message is:

STOP - are you expecting anybody? Do they have an appointment?

CHAIN - Secure the door chain/bar before opening the door.

CHECK - Ask for and check the caller's ID.

"One of the most effective ways of reducing these offences is through target hardening and we have been playing a very active part in this through the Bobby Van schemes. We would like to be able to secure and expand our current Bobby Van schemes and if there are any charities or businesses who would wish to contribute to assist us with this we would be very grateful to hear from them."

"The Dyfed Powys Bobby Van scheme has provided security advice and fitted security devices to over 2,500 homes, free of charge, for the elderly and vulnerable during the past 12 months. The scheme is so successful that since its launch four years ago only one customer has become a repeat victim. Repeat victimisation rates are now amongst the lowest in England and Wales and the scheme has also helped reduce the fear of crime."

The Bobby Van Scheme is managed by the Dyfed Powys Crime Prevention Trust who welcome any donations to what is a worthwhile scheme providing real benefits for the elderly and vulnerable.

Anyone who wishes to give any information on distraction burglars/ bogus caller offenders, anonymously, should telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.