8:30am Wednesday 13th February 2008
By Janaki Mahadevan
Click here to watch Detective Superintendent Mark Drew explaining Operation Manhunt
Bogus callers who trick their way into elderly or vulnerable people's homes are being targeted by a dedicated team of police officers.
Hertfordshire Constabulary is adopting the same tactics used to deal with serious and organised crimes to catch distraction burglars in a drive to stamp out what police have described as a "despicable" crime.
Detective Superintendent Mark Drew, who has 25 years of policing experience, leads Operation Manhunt, and is urging the public to help the team catch the criminals.
He said: "These are despicable crimes and will not be tolerated. We will use every resource available to track down those who commit these offences.
"Operation Manhunt is using intelligence, covert and surveillance tactics, the latest forensic techniques and specialist technical equipment."
More than 50 people have been arrested or charged under Operation Manhunt in connection with the crimes, with search warrants also issued at homes across the county.
Det Supt Drew added: "Thankfully levels of this type of crime are relatively low and Hertfordshire remains a safe county to live and work in. However we are asking all residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or vehicle they see, particularly in areas where elderly people live.
"For example take down descriptions and vehicle registrations of strangers calling at the homes of elderly neighbours and vehicles you don't recognise. We'd rather you report it and the activity turns out to be innocent than not report it at all."
Among the advice issued to residents is not to answer the door unless a visitor is expected and always to use the chain when trying to see who is calling.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call police on 0845 33 00 222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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