POLICE in Hertfordshire have reported a drop in distraction burglaries over a three-month period. In North Herts the number fell from 11 to eight. But in East Herts there was an increase from eight to nine. The figures covered a period from April-June an

POLICE in Hertfordshire have reported a drop in distraction burglaries over a three-month period.

In North Herts the number fell from 11 to eight.

But in East Herts there was an increase from eight to nine.

The figures covered a period from April-June and across the county there was a 47 per cent reduction in distraction burglaries.

Part of the success is due to Operation Manhunt, an intelligence-led initiative set up to tackle distraction burglaries as well as working with crime prevention and community safety officers to educate elderly and other vulnerable residents.

Det Sgt Chris Saunders of Operation Manhunt said: "The reduction is encouraging."

He said the reduction showed that the county had become a tough place in which to commit crime.

Residents, he said, were playing a part, too, and taking advice and being extra cautious when dealing with unknown callers.

"We have made a number of significant arrests and seen numerous offenders receive custodial sentences," he said.

Det Sgt Saunders continued: "It is vital that we do not drop our guard and ensure that these despicable offenders stay out of Hertfordshire."

He added that he was confident that police could continue to keep "driving down" the number of offences.