BEWARE of bogus officials who are still knocking on the front doors of houses in the Blackpool area, say police.

Elderly people are being preyed upon by fraudulent callers who gain entry to homes and steal belongings when the occupants are distracted.

The Citizen has been highlighting the problem of bogus callers for several months and advising the elderly on steps they can take to minimise the dangers.

But despite this, old people are still being targeted -- and being duped.

For instance, a woman asked if she could look at a telephone directory to gain entry to the house of a 91-year-old pensioner on Central Drive, Blackpool, at midnight on April 3. The female said she was a home help and asked for a glass of water. While the householder was out of the room she stole a pension book and cash.

The thief is described as being of medium height, white, of slim build with dark hair and possibly in her mid-40s. She wore a dark-coloured suit.

Two men pretending to be Blackpool Borough Council employees knocked on the door of a ground floor flat in Ennerdale Road, Mereside, last Thursday (April 4) at 2.40pm. They told the elderly female householder that they were measuring up to replace existing doors with fire doors. While she was preoccupied they searched the property and made off with some money.

The offenders were both male and white. One was around 5ft 4in tall, of stocky build and in his late 30s with short, dark hair. He wore light coloured trousers and spoke in a local accent with a stutter. His accomplice was around 6ft tall, of heavy build and in his 40s. He wore a peaked cap and red tartan shirt.

Det Insp Paul Philpott said: "Don't forget to Stop, Chain and Check every time there is a visitor at the door and ask for identification. But remember to be wary of false identification -- all the utility companies such as gas, water and electric will confirm their employees with a simple phone call."

Anyone who can help the police is asked to ring (01253) 293933.

Contacts for advice and help:

Crime Prevention Officers -- can give advice on security around your home. Contact them at Blackpool police station on (01253) 607244.

Local Councils -- community safety, housing, social services or your health visitor can give advice and even provide door bars.

Age Concern -- runs projects to fit security devices in older people's homes. Contact the organisation on freephone (0800) 00 99 66 from 7am to 7pm seven days a week, or locally on (01253) 299478.

Help the Aged -- gives practical support to help older people live independent lives. Contact them on freephone SeniorLine: (0800) 800 6565 from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Neighbourhood Watch -- try to join or set up a scheme. Contact the crime prevention officers or council community safety officer if you want to set one up. For more information phone the National Neighbourhood Watch Association on (0207) 772 3348.

Victim Support -- contact on (01253) 713222.