RESIDENTS must create fortress Dorset' to keep out criminal gangs which prey on elderly people.

The rallying call comes from Dorset Police Chief Constable Martin Baker who said the county must be prepared this spring for a potential influx of travelling criminals.

Last year Dorset was subjected to a series of house burglaries committed by prolific offenders, posing as company officials or workmen as an excuse to get into people's homes.

It resulted in an increase of 89 burglaries between April and December compared to the previous year.

Mr Baker, who was due to present force performance results to a Dorset Police Authority meeting today, said: "We've had a problem with distraction burglaries.

"As the weather improves we need to reinforce the advice to people about not opening doors to strangers, using the door chain, checking identification and ringing the police or company involved to see whether the inquiry is valid.

"We had a very warm April last year and that's when the problem started and we need to make sure we're ready if it happens again.

"Everyone must be on their guard. We need to create fortress Dorset and keep these people out."

Following the burglary surge last year, police arrested five offenders and work is ongoing to bring charges against a sixth.

The police authority will hear that vehicle crime, criminal damage and violent crime all continued to fall during the first nine months of the 2007 operational year.

Violent assaults resulting in injury fell 11.8 per cent with 487 fewer crimes, theft of vehicles fell 17.2 per cent with 178 fewer crimes while theft from vehicles was also down, a reduction of 9.6 per cent or 282 fewer crimes.

Other crime drops include criminal damage (5.9 per cent or 547 fewer crimes) and arson (21.5 per cent or 103 fewer incidents).

Answering 999 calls improved with 90.7 per cent of calls answered within the 10-second target time.

Mr Baker said: "Last year, Dorset Police recorded its first reduction in overall violent crime in seven years and this trend is continuing.

"Arrest figures further demonstrate the pro-active stance we continue to take to address violent crime in the county, with 143 more arrests being made in the first nine months of the 2007 financial year when compared to the same period in 2006."

He added: "The overall trend has seen a significant increase in offenders brought to justice since the end of 2003 with crime levels falling from early 2004.

"These results are not achieved by Dorset Police alone and the continued support of our communities and our partner agencies are critical to our future success."