POLICE are warning people to be on their guard against bogus callers who are phoning elderly people and arranging to visit their homes.

Bishop Auckland detectives say they have had a number of complaints from people in the town who have been contacted by callers claiming to be from the council. They try to make arrangements to visit but refuse to give details.

A police spokesman said: "We just want people to be on their guard in relation to making arrangements over the phone with people they are unable to identify.

"When they are asked for details they make excuses and put the phone down.

"If someone wants to visit your home, people should make the necessary checks, find out who they are and ring them back at the office."