A NEW campaign is being launched to prevent elderly people falling prey to conmen.

Pensioners and vulnerable people in Dorchester have suffered a series of thefts over the past year.

And now a series of events are being held in the county town to help people fight back.

An expert from Dorset Police will be on hand to advise people on how to stop themselves becoming a victim of crime.

Wendy Hilton, chief officer for Age Concern Dorchester, says the centre receives many enquiries from people concerned they may be conned.

She said: "Have you received a letter from Holland asking for nearly £30 to release a parcel that is addressed to you? Have you seen an advert in a reputable magazine for an aid for your home to help you continue living independently and rung the company and had a home visit, which proved to be a hard sell?

"These and many other examples of either con men or bad practice happen regularly in this area. They are only two of many enquiries Age Concern Dorchester receives on a regular basis.

"However, there are many simple ways of preventing this type of incident happening to you. Some are very obvious but you may not have thought of them."

Karen Taylor from Dorset Police will be speaking at the next session of Age Concern Dorchester's Health, Wealthy and Wise series of talks on Thursday at 10am. The cost is £1 and includes refreshments.

Mrs Hilton added: "Karen has many ideas to prevent all of us being victims of crime, whether it is a cowboy gardener or a bogus caller.

"There are many simple ways to protect ourselves both at home and when we are out.

"She also has a range of personal alarms which can make people feel safer, as well as safety aids for the home.

"Everyone is very welcome to attend as no-one should be a victim of crime and we meet many people who have been."

Future talks include equity release schemes, long term care planning and de-mystifying the mobile phone.

n For a leaflet about the autumn talks contact Age Concern Dorchester, 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, telephone 01305 269444 or you can look on the website at the following address: www.age-concern-dorchester.co.uk