DOORSTEP conmen who prey on old folk will be targeted in a new joint campaign launched by the police and North West Water .

This year 164 senior citizens in Lancashire have had money and property stolen after allowing phoney workmen into their homes.

The problem is particularly prevalent in East Lancashire and despite several initiatives thieves continue to target the elderly and vulnerable.

Police will print around 50,000 stickers which Neighbourhood Watch groups will distribute to homes across the county.

The stickers will warn elderly folk to check on all callers before allowing them into their home.

The idea is for people to place stickers on their front doors as a constant reminder of dangers of allowing strangers in.

Superintendent Wendy Walker from the police partnership and community safety department has helped organise the project.

She said: "Despite many warnings about how callous bogus officials can be, many older folk need to have the message reinforced in a positive and practical way. "These stickers can be attached by the front door and are designed to remind householders to always check the information of callers they don't know or aren't expecting."

She added: "Genuine representatives of gas, electric and water utilities along with the Lancashire Constabulary won't worry if people seem a little apprehensive on the doorstep and will always welcome folk making extra checks to prove their identity. People may have been brought up to trust everyone but sadly today that trust can be misplaced.

"This scheme will act as a simple reminder to them to ask a few simple questions of every caller to give them added peace of mind."

Paul Holt from North West Water added: "This is a very worthwhile initiative which is why its received our enthusiastic support. Anything that makes householders feel that little bit safer in their own homes is to be welcomed and this has been money well spent."

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