Surrey Police is warning residents to not only be vigilant with their own security but also keep an eye out for vulnerable and elderly neighbours following an increase in distraction burglaries in the county.

Officers have received 24 reports since April of offences where the suspect has made false claims to attempt to gain entry to the victim's property themselves or to cause a distraction to allow an accomplice to enter the property.

Recent techniques used by offenders include claiming they are doing gardening work, saying there is a dead animal in the householder's garden, asking to use the toilet, asking to borrow a pen and paper to write a note, claiming they need to check the resident's taps and pretending to be from the council checking a water leak.

Force Crime Reduction Advisor Jamie Robinson said: "Specifically targeting elderly and vulnerable members of the community is a terrible thing to do and Surrey Police is working hard to educate those most at risk. Carers, friends, family members and neighbours can all play their part by looking out for someone elderly or vulnerable living on their own.

"If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood or if you have had a dubious caller at your door, please report it to the police immediately."

Every householder can reduce the possibility of being targeted by following a few simple steps:

• Under no circumstances should you let an unexpected visitor into your home

• Before opening your door, check who is there. Put the chain on the door, use a spy-hole or window. Lock the back door.

• If they are strangers, ask: Who are you? What do you want?

• Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your garden, or somewhere which would encourage you to leave the house, they may have accomplices.

• If the caller claims to be from a utility company ask to see their identity card, keep the chain on the door and check it carefully. If in doubt, phone the company and check. Use a number from the telephone directory and not one given to you by the caller. Genuine staff from utility companies won't mind waiting or will call back later.

• Utility companies now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give you a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity.

• If you are not confident to deal with the person on your own, do not open the door, and ask the caller to come back when you have someone else with you.

• The golden rule is - if in doubt, keep them out. If you are at all concerned, call 999 immediately.