Five home security tips for the elderly

According to the Home Office, the elderly are no more at risk from crime than any other section of society. But if you feel vulnerable, follow these top tips to keep safe.

1. Keep your possessions safe by securing your home. You may be entitled to help towards paying for security improvements from your local council. Check with the housing department about these payments

2. Don't keep large amounts of money in your home. Keep it in a bank or building society where it is much safer

3. Get to know your neighbours, as it will be helpful to both of you if you get to know each other's routines. Why not join or set up a local.

4. Make sure you have good exterior lighting on your home. Call the council and let them know if streetlights have burnt out on your road.

5. It is especially important not to let strangers into your home. Fit a door chain and viewer, and remember:

• • Never give out personal details such as credit card information to strangers who come to your door or call you

• • Never let a maintenance or service man who has just turned up at your door into your home

• • Always check ID of maintenance men that you are expecting. You can check these details with their employer before you let them in. Some may use a pre-arranged password system to protect vulnerable people but if you are ever in doubt – ask them to come back when someone else is with you.

• • For more information, read: Six simple ways to suss out bogus callers

• • Help the aged home safety advice – www.helptheaged.org.uk/en-gb/AdviceSupport/HomeSafety/

• • Age concerns advice on bogus callers – www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/bogus_callers.asp

• • Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 – www.victimsupport.com. Support and a witness service for people affected by crime. Contact details of local regions are given.

• • Trustmark scheme - find reliable, trustworthy tradesmen

• • Trading Standards - search for trusted traders in your area

• • Consumer Direct - contact them if you have problems or disagreements with suppliers of goods or services; from overcharging to faulty goods, from dodgy workmanship to reporting unscrupulous traders or "cowboys" and scams. You can also call them on 08454 040 506 for advice and information.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.