IF in doubt, keep them out - that's the message to householders worried about visits from unwanted callers.

Preston Police have launched a plan of action, The Doorstep Challenge, to give residents protection against bogus callers.

This follows a series of thefts, especially from elderly householders, by people claiming to be plumbers, builders, salesmen and even officers from gas and water companies.

The nine point plan, which has borough Council support, includes tips such as:

Fit a strong door chain and always use it when answering the door;

challenge all callers: Who are they? What do they want?

always ask for ID and examine it carefully and

don't leave callers alone in your home.

PC Andy Edwards, of Preston Police Crime Prevention, said: "It is to try to get people into the frame of mind that an Englishman's home is his castle.

"They are quite simple steps to take. It is called The Doorstep Challenge because you are challenging people coming to the door."

PC Edwards said that funds were now being sought for a large scale poster to campaign to highlight the project. But he added they wanted to emphasise that if you feel suspicious at all about any visitor, contact the police straight away.

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