Three more distraction burglaries involving violence on elderly people have been reported to police. These follow seven cases last week which included, as reported in the H&P, a raid on the home of a 92-year-old who feared for his life after he was attacked and left with bruising and cuts to his face.

Detective Inspector Lorraine Gordon, who is leading the investigation, said: “These callous individuals are clearly targeting the elderly to commit these horrific crimes and what makes them worse is the violence or threat of violence used.

“We can’t stress enough how important it is for the elderly or vulnerable not to open the door if they do not recognise the caller.

“We have had a number of cases recently where victims are opening the door without verifying who the caller is.

“We are carrying out regular patrols in the neighbourhoods and issuing leaflets in the area.

Published: 20/09/2012 14:00 - Updated: 19/09/2012 18:58 H&P