CRIMINALS are taking advantage of roadworks on a busy Bury road to target elderly residents.

Police believe that a spate of bogus callers in the Wash Lane area is due to current gas mains roadworks which has forced the temporary closure of the stretch from Rochdale Road to Moorgate Lane.

The conmen are claiming to be from gas, electricity or water companies as an excuse to get into people's homes.

Police are now warning all homeowners to be on their guard to prevent them becoming victims of the tricksters.

Gaynor Mason, from Bury's crime prevention team, said: "Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. A genuine official will not mind waiting while you check their identity. Make sure in your own mind that they are who they say they are and if in doubt keep them out. Waterboard is the most common excuse used although they never need to come into your house."

Residents, particularly the elderly, are being urged to fit door chains or spy holes, and demand proof of identity from cold callers in a bid to protect themselves from bogus officials'.

Miss Mason added: "Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your garden or somewhere that encourages you to leave your house: they may have an accomplice waiting to sneak in whilst you're distracted. The utilities companies now offer a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity."

Further roadworks start this weekend which will have a knock-on effect in Bury. The southbound carriageway of the M66 between Edenfield and Heap Bridge will be closed on three consecutive Friday and Saturday nights, between 9pm and 6.30am, to enable resurfacing, road marking and maintenance work. Southbound traffic will be redirected to Junction 2 at Heap Bridge via Whalley Road, Walmersley Road, The Rock and Rochdale Road.