BOGUS officials are being shown the door by a new high tech device which is fitted to homes of elderly people in Bolton.

Called the Memo Minder, it sends out a message to pensioners reminding them not to answer the front door without checking the caller's identification first.

A sensor activates the device.

The scheme is open to any pensioners in the south Bolton area who have already been targeted by conmen.

Police have successfully applied for funding of £20,000 from the government to pay for the initiative.

And after the Great Lever Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder board was granted a further £25,000, the devices are also available to anyone aged over 60 in that area.

Hundreds of pensioners are set to benefit from the scheme.

DC Steve Openshaw from Bolton police said: "No matter how many times they are reminded, some elderly people forget about the dangers of bogus callers.

"This device is a constant reminder to them to always check the identification of anyone calling at the door and if in doubt, don't answer it.

"We are concentrating initially on people who have already been victims of bogus callers to prevent any incidents recurring.

"It is also about reducing the fear of crime because pensioners feel a lot safer when they have the device."

Chief Officer Gareth Evans from Age Concern Bolton welcomed the scheme.

He said: "We share the police's concerns about the increasing vulnerability of elderly people to this kind of problem.

"We fully support any initiative designed to help safeguard the interests and wellbeing of pensioners."

Police will carry out a security review of the property and fit a range of improvements including spy holes and door chains.to reduce the number of incidents and a

"For many, it is not a problem they have had to think about until it happens to them.