MEALS on Wheels volunteers in Alcester and Bidford have linked up with police to help crack down on distraction burglaries.

The scheme aims to raise awareness among elderly people and volunteers will be handing out booklets and stickers with their meals.

Pensioners are being urged to use a security door chain whenever they get an unexpected caller to their home.

And elderly folk who attend the popular WRVS luncheon clubs in Bidford will be handed Stop!Chain!Check! crime prevention stickers to help remind them.

Police hope the advice will alert people to bogus water, gas, electricity and charity officials who prey on the elderly and vulnerable.

Pc Nick Stephens, community safety officer, said he had visited victims of distraction burglaries and found most of them only used fitted door chains when they went to bed.

Leaflets, posters and stickers will also be distributed through post offices for people to pick up when collecting their pensions.

For more details about door chains, security or crime prevention, contact Alcester Police Station.