One out of every four people aged above 60 do not lock their doors

Two out of every three of them manage to steal money or valuables.

The NOP survey of 3,000 people aged above 60 also indicates bogus callers approach almost 400,000 every year, but 42% fail to report the approach.

Help the Aged is calling on the government to spend more on tackling the problem.

The charity has persuaded the Home Office to categorise "distraction burglary" as a separate offence so the frequency of instances are recorded by police forces throughout England and Wales.

It wants the government to ensure better co-ordination between the forces to track and bring to justice bogus callers.

One out of every four people aged above 60 do not lock their doors while at home, according to the survey.

Help the Aged advises:

• Keep doors locked
• Put the chain on before opening doors
• Ask to see identification cards
• Telephone to check callers are genuine
• If you remain unsure, ask callers to return when you have someone with you