ELDERLY and vulnerable people are being warned to be on their guard against hoax firefighters preying on residents across Wiltshire.

A number of phoney firefighters have been telephoning residents in the area offering free fire safety checks and now Wiltshire Fire Brigade is urging people to check the identity of callers carefully.

Community Fire Safety Officer, Andy Young, said: "Wiltshire Fire Brigade is not telephoning people offering these checks.

"If for any reason we do call on people the officers will always be in uniform and will have a fire engine with them.

"Any genuine fire officer will not mind waiting outside while residents telephone to check their identity."

This warning from the fire brigade comes after Wiltshire Police launched a similar crackdown earlier this year.

The police campaign, called Beat the Bogus Caller, aims to make the people more aware when they answer the door to strangers.

A spokesman from Wiltshire Police said: "Distraction burglars often pose as officials from the council or utility companies such as water, electricity or gas, to gain entry into elderly people's homes. Once inside, one burglar keeps the owner occupied while another searches the home for cash and valuables.

"Another tactic is to pretend to be a workman who needs to get into the property to check something or make urgent repairs."

Officers are encouraging residents to follow the 'Stop-Chain-Check' routine, in which they stop and think if anyone is expected, put a chain on the door and check the caller's identification.

Wiltshire Constabulary's assistant chief constable, Stephen Long, said: "Crime against older people is rare, but when it happens it can have a lasting impact. If you think a bogus caller has called, report it to the police immediately. Dial 999 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 500 100. The earlier the police know bogus callers are working in the area, the quicker they can investigate."

Further information at www.beattheboguscaller.com or by calling Brian Martin at Wiltshire Police on (01380) 555111.