Police have called on residents to look out for their neighbours, in a bid to crack down on distraction burglaries across south-west Hertfordshire.

While incidents fell in Three Rivers from 34 between April 1, 2007 and February 28, 2008, to 32 from April 1, 2008 and February 29, 2009, the number of distraction burglaries in Watford rose from 35 to 43 in the same periods.

Officers involved in Operation Manhunt are now urging residents to challenge anyone they believe to be acting suspiciously, and said it is better to report something that turns out to be nothing than not report it at all.

This appeal comes after a telephone call from a member of the public led to the arrest of two men, following a distraction burglary at the home of a 72-year-old man in West Watford in March 2008.

John McCarthy, 19, from Luton, is now serving a three year prison sentence, while James McDonagh, 31, from Edmonton, was jailed for six years and three months.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson, from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said distraction burglars are usually “career criminals” who “prey” on the elderly and vulnerable – the most likely victims to this type of crime.

He said: “We're asking people to display stickers [pictured] and hope residents will report any behaviour they think is suspicious or out of the ordinary. I would rather they ring us and nothing be wrong than not ring us and find out something is wrong.

“This is about taking the fear of crime away from victims and putting it back into the criminals and making them know it's not a safe place for them.”

Detective Sergeant Bart Haley added: “These people are professionals. They've got the gift of the gab. They disguise themselves.

“These people are not violent. Don't be afraid to challenge them. If they're not there for the right reasons they will do one thing – be off.

“It breaks your heart when people tell you they had seen things but didn't report it.”

Warning stickers can be obtained from local safer neighbourhood teams. For contact details and advice about distraction burglaries, visit www.herts.police.uk.