DETECTIVES have arrested two men over a spate of distraction burglaries.

A number of homes have been targeted across the Greater Belfast area and also in Newtownards in recent weeks.

Most of the victims were elderly men and women.

In the Erinvale area of Finaghy in south Belfast, police say a male called at a home and took the householder to the rear of the house claiming their child had thrown something into the garden.

“Whilst there a second person enters the unlocked front door and helps themselves.”

On Wednesday evening, PSNI Laganbank said: “GOOD NEWS – two males have been arrested by detectives for carrying out these burglaries including the one committed against an elderly female resident in Erinvale.

“This was assisted by the vigilance of neighbours. Keep up the good work folks!”

Anyone with information about the burglaries or has noticed any suspicious activity is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.