A KEY crusader for older people's rights has thrown her weight behind the Daily Echo campaign to protect Hampshire's elderly.

Sandra Gidley, Romsey MP and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for older people, highlighted the different ways in which elderly people are targeted by criminals and said the On Your Guard campaign was a "very good idea".

The campaign, which is already backed by Hampshire police and pensioners' charity Age Concern, was launched in a bid to cut the number of crimes against elderly people by looking at how they can protect themselves.

Since the turn of the year, as many as 30 pensioners have been left traumatised after being robbed in their own homes.

In the latest attack, reported in the Daily Echo last Thursday, three men held down a 92-year-old woman while they stole her money.

The robbers had managed to get into the house in Bishop's Waltham through an open door.

Mrs Gidley, who is also the Lib Dems' spokesperson for women and children, said the elderly are targeted not only by people who break into their homes, but also by those posing as workmen or officials.

"Although it is awful that these people will force entry to an old person's home, another aspect is the con man who says, for example, that you need a bit of work doing, and take the money but don't do the work," Mrs Gidley said.

"They also get to know that a lot of people have cash in the house and will go back for more.

"Ultimately it is very depressing that there are a number of people around who will look to take advantage of older people.

"I think this campaign is a really good idea to bring to the attention of elderly people what they can do to help themselves."

HAVE you or an elderly friend or relative been the victim of crime?

Do you want to join our campaign to make the county safer for pensioners?

If so, contact Sarah Lefebve at the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4996 or write to Sarah Lefebve using the email link above.