Police are urging Fenland residents to be on their guard against distraction burglars who may use the digital switchover to target the vulnerable.

Detectives are warning that criminals could use any confusion over the big switch, which starts in Cambridgeshire in March 2011, to gain entry to homes.

Det Insp Sharon Dence, of Cambridgeshire police, said: “People may be confused about the Switchover and be in need of new aerials and equipment.

“The process gives rogue installers the opportunity to target vulnerable people by charging extortionate fees for devices that don’t work, equipment that isn’t required, unnecessary labour or as an excuse to gain entry to your home.

“Traders have also been known to fraudulently use the digital tick logos on their vehicles to deceive people into thinking they are genuine.

“Residents need to be aware that all official installers carry identification with a registered ID number and will never call without an appointment.”

The message follows several distraction burglaries across Cambridgeshire.

On November 17, an 86-year-old woman was targeted in Willingham, near Ely, by a man claiming to be from the water board.

That incident has been linked with a burglary in George Avenue, Peterborough, where a man claiming to be from the water board stole �1,000.

Det Insp Dence said: “We often see an increase in distraction burglaries at this time of the year. I would urge residents to remain vigilant and always ask for identification from unexpected doorstep callers.”