A BIG fall has been recorded in distraction burglaries across the county after a police operation was launched to tackle the problem.There were 28 distraction burglaries between July and the end of March compared with 51 for the same period the year before - a 45pc dropDetective Sergeant Pete Jessop, who heads Operation Radar, said: “It is clear that our robust stance against such crime in the county, whether it be bogus callers, cold callers or rogue traders has made it difficult for offenders to get over the doorstep.

A BIG fall has been recorded in distraction burglaries across the county after a police operation was launched to tackle the problem.

There were 28 distraction burglaries between July and the end of March compared with 51 for the same period the year before - a 45pc drop

Detective Sergeant Pete Jessop, who heads Operation Radar, said: “It is clear that our robust stance against such crime in the county, whether it be bogus callers, cold callers or rogue traders has made it difficult for offenders to get over the doorstep.

“The awareness of the public and officers has to be applauded. We work very closely with other agencies, including trading standards and Environment Agency, in combating these people and the partnership is working very well.

“The figures are fantastic and it is no coincidence that doorstep incident calls to the control room have gone up significantly in the last 9 months.

“If someone calls at your house use all the security measures at your disposal. Only open your door if you feel happy, ask for identity, do not let anyone into your home that you don't know and feel free to challenge anyone.

“A genuine caller will be happy to be checked out. Most importantly I ask the public to continue to be vigilant and help us and each other drive the offenders out of the county.”

Operation Radar was launched last summer to target rogue trader crime, distraction burglary, metal and heating oil thefts.

Last week 18-year-old Leo Waldrop was convicted of common assault and harassment at Great Yarmouth Magistrates.

This followed an incident in Lingwood last February when door to door salesman Waldrop targeted residents in a small close in the village.