A CAMPAIGN to prevent pensioners falling victim to bogus callers has been launched in the New Forest.

Police are alarmed at the number of crimes committed by smooth-talking conmen who trick their way into people's homes to steal cash.

Now hundreds of "vulnerable" residents will be provided with information packs and free door chains in a bid to defeat the thieves.

The campaign was launched yesterday by the New Forest Community Safety Partnership (NFCSP), which is helping to fund the project.

A NFCSP spokesman said: "Statistics show that a disturbingly high number of bogus-caller incidents were notified to the police last year.

"However, it's estimated that only five per cent of such crimes are reported.

"Many elderly and infirm people do not realise they have been duped, while others are too frightened or embarrassed to tell the police."

The campaign was launched at the headquarters of New Forest District Council, one of the organisations that make up the partnership.

Speakers included Insp John Heath, of New Milton police.

He said pensioners were often targeted by two conmen, one of whom kept the victim talking while the other went upstairs to search for cash and valuables.

"These people are professional in the sense that they have made a career out of duping people," said Insp Heath.

Police are also concerned about cheating workmen who charge huge sums for relatively minor tasks.

Recent victims include a 70-year-old widow who was charged £400 by rogue traders after they removed a small tree from her garden.

One of the people behind the new campaign is Vic Kane, a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in New Milton.

He said: "Most of us know someone who has been a victim of bogus callers. These people are rogues and must be stopped."