THE police and Age Concern Exeter have held a special day of information for elderly Topsham residents, warning them about the dangers of bogus callers. The team assembled at Matthews Hall handing out free door chains and door viewers to residents over th

THE police and Age Concern Exeter have held a special day of information for elderly Topsham residents, warning them about the dangers of bogus callers.The team assembled at Matthews Hall handing out free door chains and door viewers to residents over the age of 60, warning them of the dangers of letting door-to-door sales people in to the house and of bogus callers.The campaign was run as part of Age Concern's Safe as Houses project.After a morning of free advice at Matthews Hall, the police headed out to particularly affected areas in Topsham.PCSO Percy Giles said: "We went round talking to people and putting their names down for the Age Concern scheme."There have been several incidents of bogus callers and, although people usually report them straight away, we want to make Topsham residents aware of the dangers. We are such a trusting town that people take advantage sometimes."The Age Concern scheme is not only offering residents the tools to catch out bogus callers but is also offering to fit them for free.A spokesperson for Age Concern Exeter said: "People still buy things at the door and what happens is one person distracts the resident while the other goes in and rifles through their belongings."Our advice is never to buy anything or agree to have any work done in that way."Age Concern Exeter's funding comes from a legacy from Exeter resident Sheila Robb, a former Exeter University lecturer, who requested it be spent on helping crime prevention and victim support.If you would like to take part in the free scheme contact Age Concern Exeter on (01392) 202092.