Police in Bromley-by-Bow have been working to increase awareness of the risks of doorstep burglars targeting the elderly.

The area’s Safer Neighbourhoods team visited residents and delivered leaflets in the area last week in order to listen to people’s concerns and provide advice to people who are vulnerable to being targeted by bogus callers.

These burglars commonly use tricks or distractions in an attempt to gain access to a home, with many victims only realising what has happened once the offenders have left.

Police urged people to ensure they ask for identification, call the company the caller claims to represent and insist on an appointment before allowing doorsteppers into their home.