PENSIONERS are being warned about bogus tradesmen posing as council staff who have been operating in Latchford.

The duo have targeted elderly residents on Chaucer Place, Shelley Grove, Richmond Avenue, Kingsway and Loushers Lane, using fake council identity cards to con their way into homes claiming they are selling intercom systems at a reduced rate as they are part paid for by the council.

One disabled resident who does not wish to be named said: "They seem to be targeting the elderly who live alone, because they were approaching my house and as soon as they saw me and my husband we're both in our fifties, they did a detour, which made me suspicious.

"My husband managed to get the two men on his camcorder, but they threatened him. While the man with the fake ID explains where he's from, the other starts drilling holes into the door and fitting the system before they can say no."

The council is urging the public to take ID cards from the caller and look at them closely. If in doubt call the council on 444400. Community safety inspector Mark Tunstall added: "There has been a series of distraction burglaries in the Latchford area and an investigation is ongoing.

"The advice from the police would be, first and foremost, do not let anyone in. Always check identification cards and verify the details by telephoning the authority concerned, even if the person has to return later.

"If they are unco-operative say you will call the police and do it if you have to on 652222."