POLICE are reminding elderly people to be on their guard for bogus callers after a rise in deception crimes in rural Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Constabulary says that elderly residents are becoming the victims of deception offences and burglaries committed on lone pensioners are greatly on the increase, particularly in rural areas.

In the 12 months leading up to April, in Wiltshire, 260 so-called distraction burglaries were reported, with 40 (16 per cent) detected.

WPC Pam Byrne, of Swindon's Rural CID unit, said: "We wish to reinforce the message that even the most innocent callers at your home must be challenged. Recently lone, elderly females in their 80s have been targeted by bogus callers pretending to be offering garden services or rubbish collection.

"The technique adopted by these bogus callers is to work in pairs, where one person will approach the property and lead the occupant to a rear garden or enclosed room to discuss the work while the other makes a search for money or handbags.

"Bogus callers are often not in any kind of uniform and will leave vehicles out of sight."

Police say that one of the most distressing aspects of these crimes is that callers will target sheltered housing and residential areas predominantly occupied by elderly people.

A recent incident involved a young girl approaching an elderly woman stating that she had lost her cat.

The child was invited to look in the home owner's back garden, but after the child left the occupant discovered her purse had been taken.

WPC Byrne said: "The impact of these offences on the victims has been devastating. These already vulnerable individuals are being made more so by unscrupulous methods employed by these callers, whose only aim is to steal a few pounds.

"Often, elderly householders do not realise that they have been victims of crime until a few hours afterwards."

Police say that most callers at your home are genuine, and will be able to prove it.

WPC Byrne added: "A bona fide caller at your home will be more than willing to show you personal identification and will not object. Homeowners should look for picture ID, company vehicles nearby, callers in uniform, and should not allow persons in until they are satisfied that they are genuine. This may involve calling the company direct.

"We ask that householders do not invite callers in with whom no appointments have been made including workmen who turn up offering to carry out domestic chores or building work."

The Evening Advertiser has thrown its weight behind the Call A Friend scheme, to which hundreds of people have signed up. Members write down two names and numbers of people they can trust living nearby who they can telephone if they are suspicious of callers to their home. To join call Swindon 528111. Additional advice on other schemes, such as Neighbourhood Watch, is also available from the Safer Swindon Shop on Swindon 525114 or Age Concern on Swindon 692166.

Elsie tells of ordeals

GREAT-grandmother Elsie, 82, knows about being on the receiving end of a sneak thief.

The diminutive octogenarian, who lives near Swindon, has had her purse snatched from her home twice in the last three years.

On both occasions an intruder got into her lounge after she had left her back door open on a hot summer's afternoon.

She said: "Both times I was in my bedroom, it was hot and I had my back door open. And both times I didn't see anyone, but when I came into the lounge I noticed my purse had gone. I phoned one of my boys and he phoned the police.

"Later a neighbour said he saw the intruder come round the back, down an alleyway. He must have come in, taken the purse, and was gone. I am a bit wild about it, pretty sick. I get a £70 a week pension so to me £20 is quite a bit. I make sure I lock my doors now, and I make sure callers show me their identity."