'Not sure ?…Don't open the door' is the slogan being used by police as they launch their national operation in Erewash in a bid to prevent distraction burglaries.

DC Chris Bond, from Derbyshire Police, said the crimes are carried out by organised gangs who operate all over the country.

He said: "Posing as police officers is the up-and-coming method and people need to be made aware that that's happening. There is a possibility that it may start to happen here."

He believes the criminals choose their elderly victims by looking for telltale signs around the house, such as grab handles, small wheelie bins and net curtains. There was also an increase in distraction burglaries in October as the nights drew in.

DC Bond added: "We need older people to be vigilant, and neighbours need to be aware that this is a problem and to give us a call if they see anything so we can check it out."

Just this week two 83-year-old pensioners were victims of seperate distraction buglaries in Long Eaton.
On Queen Street a man knocked on a women's door and claimed her car had been broken into.

He took her outside while someone else went into her home and searched the house, but did not steal anything. The man is desbribed as white, slim, 5ft 5ins tall and aged 20-30. He had short, fair hair.

On Cromford Close a man claiming to be from the water board took a homeowner into his kitchen while another man stole cash from a tin in the house only to leave the money behind when he was disturbed.

However, Bernard Annable, 83, from Breadsall was not so lucky.

He and his wife had £10,000 stolen from their home in Derby last month after two men called at their home claiming to be there to check the water pressure. As they distracted him two other men went upstairs and stole the money.

He said: "They took money from a box in our dressing table which we had been saving for our funeral. They also emptied my wallet and we were left with nothing at all."

Recently criminals have started to change their tactics and pose as plain clothes police officers claiming to have caught a burglar outside the victim's house.

As part of the campaign people are also being urged to call their energy company and set up a password.
Anyone who claims to be calling at their home to read the metre will know the password.