LEAFLETS on how to beat bogus callers are being sent out with prescriptions for housebound patients.

Police at Longton have teamed up with Lloydspharmacy to educate vulnerable residents on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

The leaflets will be included with prescriptions delivered to people who cannot get to the pharmacy to collect them.

Lloyds has agreed to distribute leaflets to customers who receive deliveries from its two pharmacies in Longton, and Fenton. Over the next four weeks 2,000 leaflets will be delivered.

If the scheme, which was the idea of Longton neighbourhood officer PC Russ Elliott, proves successful, it could be rolled out across Stoke-on-Trent.

PC Elliott said: "Offenders who carry out this type of crime target elderly and vulnerable people – anyone they think can't defend themselves. It's a very cowardly crime. I had the idea that a pharmacy would have a lot of contact with vulnerable people, and Lloyds kindly agreed to help.

"When crimes like these are reported we always deliver bogus official crime reduction packs to the affected area, but we would never be able to get the message over to this many people."

The leaflets, produced by the Home Office, give advice on the tactics criminals use and what to do if an unexpected caller comes to the door.

The pilot is the latest tool police are using to try to cut the number of crimes committed by bogus callers. In the past six months, there have been 33 reported incidents, including distraction burglaries, across Stoke-on-Trent.

The numbers have risen steadily until last month, with one last September, four in October, five in November, six in December, 11 in January and six in February.

Gary Evans, Lloydspharmacy area manager, said: "We were happy to help with the scheme, it's a great idea.

"We're going to these people's homes anyway so it's no problem to take the leaflets. We would be happy to expand it to all our pharmacies in the city.

"People should know our delivery drivers must wear official Lloydspharmacy uniform and carry their identification badge at all times."

John and Ivy Tolley, of Blurton, both have prescriptions delivered by the pharmacy.

John, aged 60, said: "I think it's a brilliant idea. If the leaflet comes through with the prescriptions people will read it."

Anyone with concerns about bogus official incidents is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455.