Bill star fronts burglary warning

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A campaign to protect elderly people and students in England and Wales from distraction burglars has been launched by former star of The Bill Graham Cole.

The actor, who played PC Tony Stamp for 21 years, led a role play class in Peckham, south London, on dealing with scammers disguised as utility workers.

Some 9,000 cases of burglars conning their way into homes occur each year, the Home Office says.

Mr Cole said the best advice was: "If in doubt, keep them out."

'Heartless crime'

The role play session at Peckham Settlement was part of a six-month campaign to provide advice and practical support to groups seen as especially vulnerable to distraction burglary.

Mr Cole said role play was an easy way to give people the confidence to deal with bogus callers.

Distraction burglars are calculating thieves and can be very convincing Andrew Harrop,Age Concern and Help the Aged

He added: "By running through a few simple scenarios we will show them exactly what to do when someone knocks on their door."

Also as part of the campaign, free Secure Your Home packs will be made available and face-to-face advice will be provided at road shows in England and Wales.

According to the campaign, the best ways of guarding against distraction burglaries are: keeping doors locked and using a door chain to keep visitors out; checking identification properly; and signing up for a free personal password from utilities suppliers.

Andrew Harrop, head of public Ppolicy for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said distraction burglars were guilty of a "heartless crime".

He added: "Distraction burglars are calculating thieves and can be very convincing, so it is important that people take simple security precautions before letting a stranger into their home."

Home Office minister Alan Campbell said: "Burglary has fallen 54% since 1997 but we know crimes like this could face upward pressure during a recession, which is why we have taken action with a £15m package of support for the most vulnerable areas and communities.

"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."

People can register for a Secure Your Home pack by calling free on 0800 456 1213 and quoting "Burglary Pack".