AFTER a spate of distract-ion burglaries in Suffolk, safety tips have been issued by police.Waveney's crime reduction officer Bruce Granger this week sent out a message to the elderly and their families after bogus callers struck three times in Suffolk in two days.

AFTER a spate of distract-ion burglaries in Suffolk, safety tips have been issued by police.

Waveney's crime reduction officer Bruce Granger this week sent out a message to the elderly and their families after bogus callers struck three times in Suffolk in two days.

Residents were tricked into allowing strangers into their houses in Elmswell and Ipswich last Friday and Saturday.

'The average age of victims is 81 years,' Mr Granger said. 'Be aware of conmen who call at your door saying they are from the water board or other such stories as a means of getting into your home.

'These people don't normally break in or use force or threats but try to distract you while an accomplice comes in and searches for cash and valuables.'

He advised: 'Do not keep large amounts of cash at home; these people know all the hiding places, apart from the obvious purse in the handbag.

'The easiest way to stop them is by keeping both doors locked, even while in the house; use a doorchain or doorbar before opening the door; check their identity and even then if not sure keep them out!

'Tell them to make an appointment so that you can have someone present with you.'

Mr Granger said people should call police if they were visited by someone suspicious.

'It may help police catch these criminals and prevent another elderly person from becoming a victim,' Mr Granger said.