POLICE are urging people to be aware of bogus callers after an elderly couple in their 80s became victims of a scam.

The 88-year-old man had arrived at his home in Drove Road, Sholing, when a man and woman came up to him saying they were from Southern Electric and that they wanted to take a look inside.

Once they were inside the woman distracted the pensioners while the man looked at the sockets and switches, telling them they would need replacing for £120.

The couple handed over £40 and the bogus callers said they would come the next day to carry out the work and that they would get the rest of the money later. They did not return.

Police have urged people not to let callers in their homes unless they are satisfied they are genuine.

Utilities companies always make appointments and always carry ID badges. You can call the company to check they are who they say they are.

Anyone with any information about the crime between 11.30am and midday last Friday, January 21, or anyone who has also been approached by the callers should contact Det Con Howard Broadribb at Bitterne Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.