Angela Rippon and Saeed Jaffrey are heading up the list of celebrities who backing a Home Office campaign to advise older people on how to avoid being victim to bogus callers.

The Home Office campaign is backed by organisations including Age Concern and Gala Bingo who are delivering thousands of leaflets and stickers to the elderly to help ensure they know and follow the simple steps to doorstep security.

Saeed Jaffrey says:Whilst older people are less likely to be the victims of crime and the numbers of distraction burglaries are relatively low, this crime can have a devastating effect on its victim's confidence and health. Bogus callers often pose as someone from a utility company or local authority; can be men or women; and can even use children as a cover story. So people should always ask for ID, and never let anyone in that they are not sure about."

Angela Rippon says: "As someone who's been the victim of crime, I really do appreciate just how important it is to stay vigilant and aware at all times. Fortunately, on the whole, older people are less likely to be the victims of crime, and the numbers of bogus callers are relatively low. Still, it does happen, and any crime can have a devastating effect on your confidence and health.

"Apart from anything else, people might feel silly at having let a stranger into their home. But bogus callers are very convincing tricksters, often posing as someone from a utility company or local authority. They can be men or women, and even sometimes use children as a cover story. They should always be reported to the police.

"There are simple steps you can take to keep yourself safe. You should always ask for ID, and never let anyone into your home that you are not sure of.

"Awareness and good security advice mean that people are able to take control of their lives, and hopefully avoid the bogus callers. Thats why Im very happy to be supporting this campaign."

Assistant Chief Constable Graeme Gerrard, Chair of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Burglary Reduction Working Group, commented: "Bogus calling is a particularly disturbing crime as perpetrators generally tend to prey on the trust of the most vulnerable within our communities. Bogus callers turn up unannounced, with the intention of tricking their way into the home and distracting people in order to steal money or valuables.

"Though it is a relatively rare, police are working hard together with other agencies to tackle these crimes. We urge people to take these simple steps when someone you dont know calls at your door, and to help police by always reporting this crime or anyone they suspect is a bogus caller operating in their neighbourhood."