ELDERLY people will be getting a welcome visitor this Christmas, but he won't be dressed up in a red suit or sport a white beard.

Members of the Special Constabulary will be calling on pensioners to remind them of good security practice and advise them of how to keep out thieves and con merchants.

Operation Snowflake involves the Specials handing out a Christmas card which includes ten tips on how to beat crime as well as a list of useful telephone numbers. The back page features a calendar for 2002.

The card, designed by police graphic designer Natalie Hobman, is sponsored by Wiltshire Constabulary, Neighbourhood Watch, Crimestoppers, Age Concern Wiltshire, Victim Support Wiltshire, West Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership, Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and SPLASH.

Police spokeswoman Sally Rosenegk said: "The object is to help the community to stay safe and keep unwanted visitors out and the card includes advice on how this can be achieved."