ELDERLY Fylde residents should be on their guard against thieves posing as officials who call at their homes, police have warned.

Several incidents have occurred across the Fylde over the past month where bogus officials have targeted elderly residents, posing in various guises from water board and gas board officials to council workers and social workers.

PC Brian Doyle from the Crime Management Unit at Blackpool police said that elderly residents can take measures to guard against bogus callers.

"If you have a door chain fitted, then use it.

"Don't open the door without the chain on. And don't let any unexpected callers into your house.

"Ask for ID. A genuine caller will be quite happy to wait outside while you make the necessary checks. If in doubt contact the police," he said.

He added that police were also asking people to be neighbourly and to be aware of strangers calling at elderly neighbours' houses unexpectedly.