Leicestershire Police have launched Operation Doorknocker to drive down the number of burglaries.

Officers say research shows burglars typically call on several houses before selecting one to break into.

Now people are being told to watch for suspicious strangers visiting homes and if concerned, to ring the police who will treat the matter with urgency.

'Callous' crime

The months of December and January are traditional peak times for burglaries.

In July - another peak time - a similar campaign was deemed a success.

Superintendent Nigel Hughes, who is co-ordinating the operation, said: "We are taking the unprecedented step of asking people to use the 999 system for this initiative, but want to be able to act upon the information as soon as possible.

"The people that commit this type of crime are callous and cold-hearted and we want to stop them from profiting from people's misery.

"I really do need your help to make this work, and I while know some may be worried about their suspicions being unfounded, it is better to get it checked out."