Leicestershire Police say they will treat the call as an emergency, in order to stamp out the problem.

They want people to report unknown callers at three or more houses on 999 if they stay in the area, as part of "Operation Door-Knocker".

Officers accept they will be called to false alarms but say they would rather stop crimes before they happen.

Emergency call

In April and May 2003 there were 45 reported distraction burglaries in Leicestershire and Rutland, but that figure has risen to 66 for those two months this year.

In many, tricksters claim to be from an authority like the water board to get into someone's home and then steal from them.

Police say that to find a vulnerable victim burglars often call at several homes first.

Supt Nigel Hughes says people who see suspicious characters calling at more then three homes should treat it like an emergency and ring 999.

But if the visitor has gone, neighbours are asked to ring police on the regular non-emergency line.