A new leaflet campaign has been launched in an attempt to cut the number of elderly people victimised by bogus house callers.

Nearly half of those who target pensioners in Sussex, pretending to be an official so they can get into homes and steal, falsely claim to work for a water company.

Now Age Concern and South-East Water have joined forces to urge pensioners to take advantage of a new security scheme.

Diane Parr, director of Age Concern East Sussex, said: "Crimes committed by bogus callers have a devastating effect on older people.

"Together with South-East Water, we are determined to limit their incidence and arm older people with the information to make them safe."

Both companies are backing a password system which encourages pensioners to ask water company staff to quote a pre-arranged phrase before they are allowed in.

Details of the scheme and a host of other home security tips are contained in a leaflet Be Sure Who's At Your Door.

Chris Sage, South-East Water customer services manager, said: "We have become increasingly concerned about the number of bogus caller incidents reported to us. We hope that by teaming up with Age Concern, the message will reach our most vulnerable customers.

"Our password scheme can provide real peace of mind."

Sussex Police has backed the scheme. Last year 16,000 bogus official burglaries were reported nationwide. Superintendent Derek Oakensen said: "Bogus callers are a very potent factor in creating fear of crime among many older people.

"Just a few simple precautions will go a long way to protecting the elderly and Sussex Police unreservedly support the efforts being made."

The leaflet urges people to never open their door unless they are 100 per cent satisfied the caller is genuine. It also advises householders to check company identity cards and look for the South-East Water logo on uniforms and vehicles.

To get a copy of the leaflet, call South-East Water on 0845 3010845.