A CRACKDOWN on bogus callers has been launched to protect elderly town residents from crooks.

Spa Care Services, which manages sheltered housing complexes in Droitwich, is urging tenants to stop, think and check when opening the door to strangers.

The organisation, which works alongside Queen Street-based Spa Housing Association, is aware a number of elderly residents have been tricked by callers.

Sheltered housing team leader Louise Lee said: "We can all be far too trusting and do not question or check sufficiently before giving people access to our homes.

"Bogus callers can be very convincing.

"They have been known to pose as representatives from utility companies, asked for water for their car, claimed to be gardeners from a local authority and even asked for directions.

"These are just a few examples of excuses used to divert attention so that access can be gained into a home."

Housing officers have been working closely with West Mercia Constabulary to tackle the growing problem.

Droitwich Spa beat manager Alun Jones told the Advertiser: "Nationally this type of problem is all too evident and I value working closely with Spa Care Services in raising awareness of this issue among our older residents."

A laminated information card has been produced for all tenants to refer to and keep handy near the door.

It gives advice on action to take when folks have a knock at the door from a visitor they do not know and are not expecting. The card will be delivered shortly.

Three years ago, the Advertiser teamed up with police to launch the Crackdown on Conmen campaign to beat the bogus callers.

The handy information sheets are still available from our High Street office.