VULNERABLE pensioners are being given crime-busting kits to help them guard against bogus callers.

Hyndburn Homewise Society, a charity based

in the borough offering housing advice to the elderly, has raised enough cash to be able to hand out the free equipment.

The kits are available to anybody over 60 and include door alarms, a spyhole viewer and door chain.

Organisers, who have been praised by the police, hope that the kits will stop the 'horrendous' crimes of distraction burglaries.

Sue Sinclair, manager of Homewise, Whalley Road, Accrington, said: "The crimes can cause horrendous side-effects. A lot of people just feel very silly and very embarrassed that they have been conned.

"A lot of the incidents go unreported, just because people feel silly. That has an effect on their independent living as well."

Distraction burglars often pretend to be a worker from the gas, electricity or water companies, to gain access to elderly residents' homes.

Once inside, one burglar usually keeps the occupants busy, while another searches the home, stealing cash or valuables.

When the burglaries happen, police officers refer the victims to Homewise for help.

Mrs Sinclair said: "What we have got is an elderly generation that doesn't close the door, that are very trusting.

"These burglars are professionals and they're very convincing."

The kits have been put together thanks to charity cash from the Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club, the local branch of the CVS, and national group the Sobell Foundation.

PC Andy Liptrott, crime prevention office for Lancashire police, based in Accrington, said: "These kits are an excellent way of improving home security and promoting personal safety."

Sergeant Mark Porter of Accrington police said: "Distraction burglaries are one of the crimes which always hit a nerve with police officers.

"They tend to prey on the most vulnerable members of society, and it has been a problem across East Lancashire, not just Hyndburn.

"It's something we do pay a lot of attention to and anything which we can do, or anybody can do to help, is a positive step forward."

To ask for a free kit, or to make a donation to the charity, call 01254 232249.