ROTARIANS in Marlborough have launched a new warning card for the elderly in a bid to prevent them becoming victims of bogus callers.

Police and Age Concern have backed the launch of the cards on Monday by the Marlborough and District Rotary Club.

The cards are being made available at the police stations in Marlborough and Pewsey, at doctors' surgeries and chemists, libraries and post offices.

The card advises pensioners to get all callers from utilities to provide an account reference number before admitting them to their homes.

The card states: "If this information is not given do not let them in and phone the police by dialling 999 or if you have a Sarsen Lifeline press your portable pendant first."

Rotarian Gordon Spiller said they decided to introduce the cards after a growing number of bogus caller incidents not only in the Marlborough area but across the country.

The cards remind householders of the four words of advice from police: lock, stop, chain and check.

It means they should keep doors locked at all times; stop and think before opening the door to callers; make sure the security chain is on and check the identity of all callers.

Mr Spiller said statistics from Wiltshire police showed that 260 pensioners across the county have fallen victim to doorstep conmen over the last 12 months.

Marlborough area police commander Insp Bill Dowling applauded the Rotary cards. He added: "Anything that will help us prevent and detect these offences is worthwhile."