POLICE are encouraging residents to give cold callers the cold shoulder in a police drive to beat doorstep criminals in Westhoughton and Horwich.

Elderly people in the towns are being visited by police who are advising them on how to deal with bogus officials and cowboy workmen.

Door-to-door visits by police will be followed by events at sheltered housing complexes, mother-and-toddler groups and social clubs.

It is feared that warmer weather could trigger a surge of bogus-caller crimes.

Tips being given to residents include:

  • Look out of the window or spy-hole before opening the door to check whether you know the caller.
  • If you have a door bar or chain put it on before opening the door.
  • Ask to see an identification card and check it carefully before letting callers inside. If there are any doubts, call the organisation and check their authenticity.
  • If you still have any doubt, make an appointment with them and ask them to call back.

One couple who have benefited from police watched a play by an amateur dramatics group on the dangers of letting callers inside homes.

The husband said: "When someone knocks on your door, it's always at the back of your mind that they might not be who they say they are. My wife and I are lucky that we have each other, but there are a lot of people who live alone.

"There would be no way would be able to defend ourselves if someone came into the house.

"Since we've had the presentation and the advice from police, we make sure we put the chain on the door before we open it and check the identification of everybody who calls."

Insp Mo Razaq said: "Many older people worry about coming across as rude to callers, but genuine callers will have no problem with being checked out, and would be happy to come back when you have someone else with you. Anyone putting pressure on you to let them in before you are sure of them is probably up to no good and should be kept out."