Help the Aged was saddened to read your report about the con men who stole cash and jewellery from a local older lady. Such cruel attacks on our older population in their own homes are unacceptable by any standard. Home Office and Help the Aged research concerning burglary and bogus caller crime consistently shows that when older people's homes are entered by a criminal intent on theft, the intrusion can have a devastating and long-lasting effect on their mental and physical well being.

When dealing with an unexpected visitor, Help the Aged urges older people to always put the door chain on and look out of the window or spy hole to see who is calling before opening the door. Always ask for proof of identification and do not be afraid to phone the company or organisation the caller says they are from to check their validity. Genuine callers will not mind waiting for you to do that.

Do not let anyone enter your home until you are completely satisfied their reason for calling is valid.

Help the Aged provides SeniorLink - its Immediate Response Service - to over 7,400 older people across the country. SeniorLink is designed to bring peace of mind to older people, helping them to continue to lead an independent life in their own home. At the press of a button, the client is immediately connected to the SeniorLink response centre, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to answer any need, whether they require emergency assistance, need reassurance or simply want to chat.

SeniorLink can be purchased or rented and there are a number of free units available to people who are in receipt of a Basic State Pension; do not pay income tax; their assets do not exceed £16,000 (including shares, bonds etc, but excluding the value of your home);

and are able to provide names of two people willing to act as key holders and can come to your assistance within 30 minutes should they be needed. A monitoring and maintenance fee of £1.50 per week applies for all unit holders.

If anyone is interested in finding out more or applying for Senior-Link, they can call 01709 389 388 for an application pack.

Lysa Ralph, national senior safety manager, Help the Aged, 207-221 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9UZ.