ELDERLY people in Bolton could soon be warned to watch out for bogus officials by a hi-tech minder.

The gadget, which sends out a voice message when the householder crosses an infra-red beam near the door, could be installed in many homes in the town.

It could send out messages such as: "Gran, you are not expecting a caller today so don't forget to put the door chain on."

Police are currently in talks about funding the scheme with Bolton Council. The gadget could be installed for free in the homes of elderly people who have already been the victims of conmen and into the homes of others to save them from falling prey to the criminals.

Friends and relatives can record messages on the Memo Minder device, which will then be played when the person is seconds from opening the door.

PC Steve Openshaw, Bolton Police's crime reduction officer, said: "It is a fantastic system which provides peace of mind and protection. Obviously, it costs money so we are working with Bolton Council with a view to launching it in Bolton and identifying places where it could be installed.

"It is at a very early stage, but we will look at the victims of crime and where they live to identify areas where we can use it."

It is thought the £30 device could be available for private homes and council and housing association properties.

It is included in a security package featuring door bars and chains, mirrors and larger viewing holes.

The scheme comes as latest figures reveal 167 elderly people were targeted by doorstep conmen last year -- 59 across Bolton and 108 in areas surrounding Astley Bridge.

So far this year, 61 homes have been targeted. The latest have been struck by a criminal who pretends he knows the elderly occupants and kisses them on the cheek before stealing from their houses.

But police chiefs say for every one incident reported, ten are not.

PC Openshaw added: "Very often elderly people feel they are at fault and feel very embarrassed. But they should not. Some will just not pick up the phone so we are seeing the tip of the iceberg.

"We are not seeing an increase year on year but recently there has been quite few incidents."

Police chiefs say elderly people should never answer their doors to anyone with identification and use door chains or peep holes. Money should also never be kept indoors.

"We have got to break this culture," Pc Openshaw added. "We have got to get through to people."

Age Concern spokesman Gareth Evans said he welcomed the Memo Minder device.

For information contact Police on 0161 856 5625 or 0161 856 5746.