AN ELDERLY woman had money stolen from her home after a bogus caller gained access to her property.

Salisbury CID have released crime prevention advice following the incident, which one person has been charged for.

PC Kim Weston said: "Often these criminals target the elderly and the most vulnerable members of our communities and we ask that friends and relatives help communicate our advice to help prevent others from becoming victims.

"Sometimes, people turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into a property and we refer to these people as ‘distraction burglars’ or ‘bogus callers’, their only aim is to trick you into letting them into your home so that they can steal money or valuables.

"You should always be cautious when someone you don’t know calls at your door. Bogus callers may be smartly dressed and claim to be from the council, the police, health organisations or from utility companies.

"Rogue Traders also prey on the more vulnerable members of society and will tell home owners they need work done on the house or offer to carry out gardening work at extortionate prices.

"These people can be very convincing and persuasive and will use any excuse to distract you. Bogus callers will try to take advantage of your good nature and trick you into letting them into your home.

"If there is someone that you do not know at your door, keep your door shut and locked and use a spy-hole or window to check who is outside. Do not open the door if you don’t recognise them or are not expecting a caller, if you are at all concerned about the identity of someone at your door please call us."

The Salisbury CID have released the following advice:

• Always keep your door shut and locked.

• If someone comes to your door and you aren’t expecting a caller it is important that you check who it is by using a spy-hole or look through a window. Do not open the door to anyone you don’t know or are not expecting.

• Official visitors will always arrange an appointment with you beforehand – if no appointment has been made, don’t open the door.

• Do not keep large amounts of cash at home – it is much safer in a bank or building society.

• Always keep purses and wallets hidden away, out of sight.

• Never keep pin numbers with credit or debit cards.

If you see anything suspicious or think a bogus caller may have called at your door, report it to police immediately.