Police in Hampshire are urging households to beware of distraction burglars operating in the area.

The force warned that burglars attempt to convince people that they are "genuine" callers, but there are steps people can take to avoid becoming the victims of theft and potentially having to claim on their home insurance.

It urged people to fit a door chain or spy hole to enable them to speak to callers without having to open their door fully.

People should also check identification and ask callers to wait outside, the force said, reminding householders that a number of utility firms operate password schemes to enable people to identify their employees.

Commenting on such crimes, PC Tim Willis, of Farnborough police station, said: "Distraction burglary is a particularly cowardly crime where offenders prey on the trust of vulnerable people.

"We would remind everyone to check the identification of visitors before inviting them in."

Chief Constable Peter Fahy, of Greater Manchester police, recently urged people to ensure they take "sensible crime prevention measures" to protect themselves against burglaries.

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