DISTRACTION burglaries in North Yorkshire have soared by more than a quarter, according to the British Crime Survey.

New figures show that the number of distraction burglaries in the county is up by 26 per cent despite a general drop in incidences across most of England and Wales.

It also increased by 22 per cent in Humberside.

The majority of victims of this type of crime are elderly people, and Help The Aged is urging them to follow simple safety advice to protect themselves against this type of crime.

For those who are worried about their safety, the Charity urges older people to follow the simple "Lock, Stop, Chain, Check" doorstep safety advice:

* Make sure all outer doors are locked.

* Stop and think - are you expecting anybody?

* Always put the door chain on and look out of the window or spy hole to see who is calling before opening the door.

* Check their identification - do not be afraid to phone the company or organisation the caller says they are from to check their validity. Always obtain the number from a separate source.

Although older people are less likely to experience crime overall than other age groups, they are more likely to be victims of distraction burglary or rogue traders.

The average age of a bogus caller victim is 81 and they are often female and living alone.

Anthea Beeks, of Help The Aged, said: "It is only over the last few years that the extent of distraction burglary has been recognised.

"In light of these figures we urge local older people to take these common sense precautions to ensure their safety."

For further support, the charity is offering older people in North Yorkshire free copies of the Help The Aged free advice leaflet called Your Security.

As well as advice on securing property against theft, there is also information about personal safety when out and about, protecting belongings and dealing with bogus callers.

To receive a free copy, phone 020 7239 1845 or send a sae to Information Resources (YS), Help The Aged, 207-221 Pentonville Road, London N1 9UZ.