Police in the Braintree division are advising householders to be on their guard following a big increase in bogus caller burglaries.

Latest figures show a total of 73 bogus caller crimes were reported in the Braintree division during 2004 an increase of 58 per cent on the 46 offences the previous year.

The division covers Braintree, Dunmow, Halstead and Witham.

The burglars usually pose as workers for utility services, such as water, gas or electricity and target elderly householders. While the victim is distracted, they search the household for cash and then make off.

They often work in teams, with one keeping the victim occupied in one room while an accomplice looks for money.

Braintree police crime reduction advisor Chris West said: "The increase in offences speaks for itself about the need for public vigilance."

Essex Police is running an operation called Operation Grizzlybear, which aims to combat distraction burglars across the county.

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Published Tuesday, January 18, 2005

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