POLICE are urging the elderly to join a new scheme that has a 100 per cent record of foiling distraction burglars in Gwent.

The Nominated Neighbour initiative redirects unknown callers from potential victims to a home nearby.

The nominated trusted neighbour will then return to the pensioner's home with the caller.

Community safety officer Sergeant Neil O'Connell said: "If they are a bogus caller they obviously won't go to the neighbour.

"No-one who has used our Nominated Neighbour packs has been the victim of a distraction burglary."

He said 50,000 packs had already been distributed to various agencies involved in supporting the elderly and vulnerable.

Sgt O'Connell said the scheme was valued as distraction burglaries and bogus callers caused great loss and distress to the more vulnerable members of the community.

Since the beginning of 2003 there have been around 100 offences of this nature in the Gwent area, with the majority of victims being older residents.

Despite the help and advice available, incident figures imply that warnings are not reaching all potential victims.

Friends, family, neighbours and carers of potential victims can encourage them to be aware and to take preventative measures.

Barclays bank is supporting Gwent Police by displaying and promoting the Nominated Neighbour packs.

Each pack includes crime prevention information and a bright yellow card that directs unknown callers to a trusted neighbour.

One hundred packs will be available at each of the 21 branches of Barclays in Gwent from Saturday and throughout November.

Mike Hayes, Barclays branch manager at Commercial Street, Newport, was delighted to support the Nominated Neighbour project and the positive impact it will have.

He said: "By supporting this initiative by Gwent Police we hope to make a safer community for everyone to enjoy."