ELDERLY people in Selby have been warned to watch out for cold-callers.

Selby Police said the callers, who offer to do odd jobs but often have no suitable tools with them and ask to use the householder’s equipment instead, have been seen across the district in recent weeks, raising crime concerns. Most are teenagers or young men who say they will do tasks for small amounts of money, in some cases asking for spare cash.

Patrols have been stepped up and an awareness campaign launched. PC Dave White, pictured, of Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “The callers are very friendly and chatty and it’s easy to see how people can become engaged with them.”

He said residents should not get into conversation with cold-callers and should get recommendations from neighbours and friends if they need work doing, as well as reporting any callers.

Police said they were also working with trading standards officials in an attempt to introduce more no-cold-calling zones in the district.