DUDLEY residents have been urged to follow some simple steps to ensure they keep safe from bogus callers and burglars over the festive season.

The dark winter nights encourage bogus callers to target older and more vulnerable residents and distraction burglaries often increase at the height of winter, particularly around Christmas.

Police are encouraging residents to lock both front and back doors, even when at home.

People should also use a door chain and ask all unknown callers for identification - if in any doubt callers should not be allowed into homes.

Burglaries are also on the increase over the festive period and people are encouraged to leave a light on when they leave the house for the evening, to use timer switches if they are away for some time and to close curtains after dark so valuables can’t be seen from the outside.

People should also avoid piling Christmas gifts under Christmas trees – which can be seen from the window, and to always lock all doors and windows.

Councillor Qadar Zada, Dudley Council's cabinet lead for adult social care, said: “As a community council we are working tirelessly to ensure residents keep safe from bogus callers and burglaries.

"We also urge communities to keep an eye on those who may be at a heightened risk from these types of incidents.”

For practical safety, security and wellbeing advice, call 01384 817743.