POLICE are warning residents to be on their guard after a caller posing as a gasman tried to con his way into a woman's home.

Officers have praised the actions of the young woman, who lives in George Street, Swindon, who thwarted the man's bid to talk his way in.

The resident asked to see the man's identification card and refused to let him in when he wouldn't.

The con artist appeared to have a card of some kind pinned to the outside of his trousers but refused to show it to her when she asked.

As a result, the resident would not let him in and he left.

Following the incident, which happened at 5.45pm on Wednesday, British Gas is urging others to follow her example by taking care to check caller's ID.

A spokeswoman said: "With reports of bogus callers in the Swindon area British Gas is urging customers to be on their guard.

"As a responsible energy supplier, British Gas is very concerned about bogus caller crime.

"We don't want to alarm people unnecessarily but we do feel it is important to remind people about the dangers of inviting strangers into their homes.

"People should always ask to see the caller's ID a genuine caller will always be happy to verify this.

"The important thing to remember is if in doubt, keep them out."

Last year British Gas launched a password protection scheme, which allows pensioners to identify legitimate British Gas engineers.

Under the scheme pen-

sioners are given a unique password, which British Gas engineers must quote to prove they are genuine.

More than 30,000 pensioners nationally have signed up to the scheme.

According to Home Office statistics 38,000 pensioners were victims of distraction burglary between 2001 and 2003.

The man in Wednesday's incident is described as white and in his late 40s, wearing a red T-shirt and a red baseball cap.

Anyone with information about the incident or who believes they may have been visited by the same man should contact Swindon police 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

What to do when there's a knock at the door

British Gas has issued the following guidelines to people on how to avoid becoming a victim of distraction burglary.

Don't open your door to strangers. Check first to see who the caller is by looking through a window or a door viewer.

Always put the chain on before opening the door.

Always ask to see the caller's ID and refuse entry if you are in doubt.

If you are alone, ask the caller to come back later when a friend or neighbour can be with you.

Never leave callers alone in your home.

Diana Milne