Police and seniors groups are warning pensioners to be on their guard against doorstep con artists.

Age Concern executive director Claudette Fleming said seniors were being hit by hoaxers who demanded up-front payments for services they never delivered.

In the last year several seniors have been victimised by fraudsters who would call and suggest jobs that needed doing said Ms Fleming.

She said a typical scam was to suggest a house needed painting and then ask for cash to paint it.

She said: "One senior suffered exactly that and spent thousands of dollars to someone who never did the service."

The pensioner later dropped the charges because she did not want the stress of a court case said Ms Fleming.

Crime Prevention Officer Sgt. Chris Wilcox said seniors would be warned about the problem in an updated leaflet advising them on crime concerns due out in late Spring.

He said the problem of counterfeit notes might also be included in the leaflet as there were now three different issues of notes in circulation and local forgers were taking advantage using colour copiers.

He added: "We are also concerned about home security."

He said some pensioners still thought it was possible to leave their doors and windows open just as they did in days gone by.

Seniors may also be in line for drug awareness education to help them spot drug use in their households as the service continues to crack down on illegal narcotics.

Sgt. Wilcox said: "Some drugs can look like flour. We also want them to recognise drug equipment."

Links with isolated pensioners will be maintained through five community beat officers appointed yesterday said Sgt. Wilcox who added that pensioners were at as much risk as children.

Ms Fleming said she did not want to over emphasise the threat to pensioners, despite recent attacks on seniors.

She said: "I don't think seniors need to be unduly alarmed, I don't think the statistics support that they are being targeted more than any other group.

"But as times get harder they are vulnerable and people will look at them."

Crime tips in the

home for seniors

qDo not rely on door chains, fit good quality locks

Install peepholes in your front and back doors

Switch on lights and your TV or radio if you are going out in the evening or use a self timer if you will be out all day.

Good outdoor lighting deters thieves, consider sensor lighting

Consider getting an alarm system such as an intruder alarm, panic button and fire alarm system which are all available in Bermuda.

Crime tips

on the street

qNever count money in the street and avoid attracting attention by not wearing expensive jewellery.

Ladies should carry their handbags under their arm on the side furthest away from the road.

Dealing with

con artists

qBefore opening the door demand identification. Police and utility staff must carry it.

Do not rush into anything involving money or property

Beware of people asking for advance payment for odd jobs

Before signing a contract consult a trusted authority such as a lawyer or bank official.