POLICE in St Helens are warning people to be on their guard following a plague of con artists in St Helens and Newton.

Incidents were reported in Sutton, Moss Bank and Cole Avenue, Newton, which all involved elderly victims being conned into allowing bogus callers into their home. The culprits then distracted their victims before stealing cash and savings.

Sergeant Steve Lowe of St Helens Police said: "If anyone has any doubt about a caller, don't let them in. If they are genuine callers, they will not mind you checking their identity with the organisation they claim to be representing.