Police say youths as young as 12 are distraction burglars

Cleveland Police says Operation Strongbow will use intelligence and analysis to deal with so-called distraction burglaries.

Detectives say the tactics of the mainly young criminals are ruthless, and sometimes fatal.

On 18 June, a 93-year-old woman from Houghton-le-Spring was burgled by two men claiming to be from a drain and sewage firm.

Two days later, men claiming to be from the same company, stole cash from an 83-year-old woman in the same area.

On Monday, a man in Sunderland had �1,500 taken from his home.

In the Cleveland force area there have already been 140 reported incidents of distraction burglaries. In the whole of 2002 the force investigated 150.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Kelly from Cleveland Police, said: "There is a myth that all distraction burglars are men in boiler suits who claim to be from the water or gas board.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Kelly: Intelligence is the key

"But it reality it also involves youths as young as 12 and 14, who will go out and distract elderly and vulnerable victims while their partners steel cash and good from homes.

"That information, together with quality intelligence and analysis is the key.

"It will help us to draw up a list of suspects, track them down and hopefully result in successful prosecutions and convictions.

"The work may result in a rise in the reporting rate, but this, in turn, will give us more opportunities to catch those responsible and reduce the fear of crime amongst the vulnerable members of our community."

The Cleveland force has had a number of successes in dealing with such criminals.

One woman is currently serving three-and-a-half years for 11 distraction burglaries in Middlesbrough and Stockton.

She would claim to be the friend of a neighbour and asked to use the telephone or have money changed to get inside a property.

Mr Kelly added: "On average around three distraction burglaries are recorded each week in Teesside.

"They do not have a major impact in terms of sheer numbers and often the financial loss is not great, but the impact they have on a victim is substantial.

They are despicable crimes - and we aim to stop them."