Elderly handed free security sheets

The sheets, supplied by Age Concern, contain vital telephone numbers for authorities such as the police, council, and water and electricity boards.

The leaflets explain which organisations distraction burglars often claim to be representing, and help residents to quickly check on people calling at their home without panicking.

"Even in the light nights, people should still be aware of bogus officials," said Angela Webber, information and advice officer for Age Concern Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"The free sheets - with the title Don't Let Them In - should be kept easily to hand and will enable people to check with the relevant authority when anyone calls.

"For those who live in Worcester, we have already filled in the different contact numbers for their area.

"For residents elsewhere, we have left spaces for people to write in the numbers themselves - which we will help them do.

"We are also issuing cards for people to put in their windows which alert others to the fact the resident in that house is aware of bogus officials and knows the correct procedure if they call."

The steps have been taken after a number of distraction burglary cases in the area.

Access

Earlier this month, an 87-year-old Bewdley woman had her £180 pension taken after a man claiming he was from the water board was allowed access to her home in Lyttleton Road.

Also in Bewdley, an 81-year-old woman invited two men into her Shaw Hedge Road home after they asked to borrow a pen and paper.

They escaped with two purses, one containing £12 cash.

In April, two men claiming to be from the council knocked on a pensioner's door in Lower Wyche Road, Malvern, and stole cash and jewellery after being let into the home.

Anyone can obtain a copy of the security sheet by going to Age Concern Herefordshire and Worcestershire's drop-in service at 6 Sansome Street, Worcester, between 9.30am-1.30pm weekdays, or by calling 01905 726652.