A PIONEERING scheme to protect pensioners from bogus callers is to be piloted in homes across Lancashire.

Pensioners in 52 homes in Blackburn will be testing the new equipment designed to reduce the risk of targeting by the doorstep fraudsters.

The first of the equipment has been installed in sheltered accommodation at Ferrier Close in Whitebirk, Blackburn, and may be installed elsewhere in the town if it proves a success.

Participants will use an Identislot, which will allow them to check visitors' credentials through a slot in the door without opening the door itself, and a pre-recorded reminder system, which will play when householders approach their door reminding them to ask for identification.

The Identislots will be tested in 42 homes and the reminder systems in ten.

Similar schemes will be piloted in Preston and Garstang and in Merseyside and London later in the year. It could be extended nationwide if it is successful.

The Lancashire scheme is being co-ordinated by Neighbourhood Watch. Their Lancashire representative Frank Smith said: "The idea behind the scheme is that the equipment is designed to repel the con man and the bogus caller without pensioners having to open the door.

"We hope this will make people feel more secure in their own homes and will tackle the fear of crime itself."

Ferrier Close was chosen because it is a typical sheltered accommodation in an area which has had problems with crime.

Carol Hendy, of Blackburn Police Crime Prevention, said: "Blackburn was chosen for the scheme after we volunteered ourselves to the national neighbourhood watch organisation.

"Hopefully the scheme will stop pensioners putting themselves at risk by giving them extra security." WHO'S THERE? Stan Nash, of Ferrier Close, Blackburn, checks a caller's identity card using the new security slot in his front door