Old and vulnerable people keen to avoid a home insurance claim this year may think twice about who they answer the door to, following advice from Greater Manchester Police.

The force has issued a warning after two incidents where men claiming to be from the water board stole purses after conning their way into people's homes.

Fiona James, crime reduction advisor for Salford, said: "The offenders know what they are doing and are deliberately preying on older and vulnerable people."

She suggested residents refuse access to anyone who claims they are there to check taps, pressure or the colour of water.

Ms James added anyone who is in doubt if there caller is genuine should contact their utilities company direct.

In other news, Greater Manchester police are urging people to make it their new year's resolution to become more security-conscious in 2009 in order to avoid becoming a victim of burglary.

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