Police were on the streets and in a health centre this week to hand out information on deception burglaries and also encourage the vulnerable and elderly to join their Nominated Neighbour scheme.

Participants in the scheme will not talk or open the door to cold callers unless they are accompanied by a "nominated neighbour" or friend.

Operation Yukon was launched this week to crack down on the problem and saw Wigan officers set up a mobile unit on City Road, Kitt Green, to chat to local people.

They spent time at the Thomas Linacre Centre on Parson's Walk, Wigan, spreading the Nominated Neighbour scheme word. The results of the day were:

100 Homewatch newsletters were sent out
15 new Homewatch schemes were instigated
207 people in sheltered housing viewed the Knock-Knock Bogus Caller advice DVD
191 residents were subjected to "test cold calling" by neighbourhood staff
Two vehicles were seized
Four home visits were made to known distraction burglars
4,912 crime reduction leaflets were distributed
389 people were spoken to about the Nominated Neighbour scheme.

Det Supt Patrick McKelvey, leading Operation Yukon, said: "Incidents of distraction burglary have reduced significantly across Greater Manchester over the past few years but during summer months we typically see an increase.
"Our advice is simple – if in doubt, keep them out."

Andrew Glover of trading standards said: "It is important people report any incidents or suspicions they have about doorstep callers in the area to Trading Standards or police. We take this very seriously.

For more information on the Nominated Neighbour scheme, please call 0161 872 5050 or contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team directly.