A PENSIONER has been praised by police for a piece of quick-thinking that prevented her becoming the victim of a doorstep conman who tried to trick his way into her Alresford flat.

He said he was from the council and needed to inspect her drains because a neighbour was having a new washing machine installed.

But the 82-year-old refused to let him in and instead asked for proof of his identity, which he was unable to supply.

While they were talking, the woman's front door blew shut and she found herself locked out.

The man offered to go round to the back and let himself in and open the front door for her-but she wasn't going to fall for that one.

When he followed her round to the patio, she shut the door firmly in his face.

Inspector Steve Sargent, of Alresford Police, said her actions set a good example.

"This lady courageously followed the correct advice," he said.

"Genuine callers don't mind having their details checked carefully whereas 'distraction burglars' don't want to attract any attention to themselves, so they will leave without a fuss if they are challenged with confidence.

"As a result of this lady's determination, Alresford's clean burglary record remains intact and she has saved herself the trauma of becoming a victim of this despicable crime which is so often practised against the elderly."

Hampshire police are launching a new campaign to cut down on the number of victims who fall prey to conmen and bogus callers.

Fronting it is 85-year-old Edith Lidstone, from Eastleigh, who was conned out of £150 by two men claiming to be the sons of one of her neighbours.

The men tricked their way into Mrs Lidstone's home by talking to her about measuring her fence for repairs.

It was only after they left that she realised they had taken the money, which she was about to bank on behalf of the widows' club she runs in Chandler's Ford.

"I was horrified when I realised what had happened to me. My husband used to be a police officer so I thought I knew what to watch out for, but the men were so convincing," she said.

Detective Chief Inspector Linda Dawson, who is leading the Safer Homes campaign, said distraction burglary could be devastating, with victims losing confidence and peace of mind.

"The people who do this are professionals and they know exactly what to say to win your trust. They have no morals."

She said the message of the campaign was simple: "If someone calls at your door who you don't know, don't let them in."

Police advice when dealing with callers is:

* Don't let an unknown caller into your house whatever the reason might be.

* Always ask to see and examine identification.

* If not satisfied, make them wait outside and telephone their office.

* Never let them out of your sight until they leave the area.

* If they appear genuine, and you're still not happy, ask them to come back when you have a friend present.