BOGUS workers are roaming the borough seeking Christmas tips for services they did not provide.

Now police in Bury have themselves offered a few tips to residents to prevent money falling into the wrong hands this Christmas.

Offenders have been posing as window cleaners, gardeners and refuse collectors in their bid to con homeowners.

Sergeant Bruce Howard of Bury's Operational Policing Unit said: "The offenders rely on people's goodwill at this time of year.

"It is very common for people to tip their window cleaner or leave envelopes with a small amount of cash for the binmen.

"The legitimate workers don't knock on doors for tips."

In order to beat the con men, police advise:

Don't leave cash under bins.

Don't give Christmas tips to people claiming to be acting on behalf of someone else, such as the window cleaner.

If people call for charity donations, ask to see their identity card. If in doubt give nothing.