"Burglary artifice" now represents at least 5 percent of all residential burglaries and is targeted almost exclusively at the elderly. Three-hundred ninety-eight cases of burglary artifice in the southwest and west areas of the Metropolitan Police District (MPD) were examined from January to May 1989. In 301 cases, the reporting officer completed a questionnaire; 38 randomly selected victims also provided information. Victims tended to be from society's most vulnerable groups: 94 percent of the victims were elderly, 72 percent of them female, and 71 percent living alone -- 73 percent in either council (61 percent) or housing association (12 percent) accommodations. Burglars typically pretend to be water or gas company officials, builders, plumbers, church or school workers, and more. Most victims allowed entry either because they were convinced of the burglar's legitimacy or because it never became an issue; only 4 cases involved the use of force. 2 tables and 21 references