"IF in doubt, lock them out" - Dorset's head of CID is very clear about the best way to deal with cold calling salesmen.

Detective Chief Superintendent Phil Sincock has been instrumental in raising awareness about bogus callers throughout the south of England.

He backs the Daily Echo's Don't Knock It campaign to raise awareness of distraction burglary and to encourage the government to ban cold calling for property repairs - and is advising people to beware when strangers call at their door.

"Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, health organisations or gas, water, or electricity companies," he said.

"They can be convincing and persuasive. They use props like an identity card, or wear overalls with a company logo.

"The important thing is to remember the 'stop, chain and check' message.

"It doesn't matter if the person looks official, is offering to do work for you or is even calling for urgent help - don't open your door to them unless you are absolutely sure they are genuine."

He added that genuine officials or house repair workers will always be happy to make an appointment to call and will carry an identity card with a photograph.

They will not mind waiting while you phone and confirm their identity, or if you want to make an appointment for them to come back when you have someone else with you.

Between April 2003 and March 2004, 142 distraction burglaries were reported to Dorset Police, and there have been a further 40 since.

But many more could be happening which are not being reported - Det Chief Supt Sincock said the elderly victims often feel too foolish about being scammed to tell anyone.

He said it is important for people to call the police immediately if they think a bogus caller is targeting them, their loved ones or their neighbours.

"By far the best way for us to catch these people is by getting information from the public," he said.

"That means picking up the phone and telling us about it at the time, not a week later.

"At the end of the day, this is everybody's problem. We have all got a duty to look after the people in the community who are the most vulnerable."

If you suspect a distraction burglary is being committed and urgent police response is needed, call 999.

To tell Dorset Police any other information, call your local police station or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

First published: September 10