POLICE have issued a 10-point "safe-and-sound" programme to highlight the problem of elderly and vulnerable people living alone during the winter.

Sgt Jane Fitz-Patrick, of South Worcestershire Police, said she wanted to ensure elderly people were not forgotten about when people were busy planning for Christmas.

"Whether they are relatives, friends or neighbours living on their own, and whether they're in a block of flats or a remote cottage, the same commonsense, but strict, rules should apply," said Sgt Fitz-Patrick.

"If you know someone in such circumstances, take a few crucial minutes each day to ensure they are safe and well. It does not take much time or effort to look for and identify easy-to-spot, telltale signs that all is not well.

"Even if you are not sure whether there is something wrong or not, don't be afraid to alert the emergency services. If something is not as it should be, the timely intervention of a friend, neighbour or relative could make all the difference between life and death."

Sgt Fitz-Patrick said from time-to-time there were fatal tragedies that could have been avoided if there had been regular and timely visits or telephone calls and she issued a 10-point checklist to help people make sure elderly people were safe.

Check their milk is taken in every day.

Notice if lights are on or off at unusual periods of time.

Check why newspapers have not been pulled all the way through the letterbox.

Look whether dustbins are put out or taken in when they should be.

Are premises all quiet when they should not be?

Notice whether radios and televisions are on or off at unusual times.

Find out why dogs might not being taken for their usual walk.

Is there a build-up of letters inside or outside the front door?

Check why curtains are drawn or kept open at unusual times.

Find out why regular shopping, Post Office or pension trips are missed.