A NEW DVD has been launched to warn elderly and vulnerable people of the dangers of bogus callers.

The movie, Trickster in a Box, is a story and music DVD which follows the story of Second World War veteran George.

George is taken in by a bogus caller and recounts the impact on his savings and self esteem.

He is able to regain his confidence and ends up sending a second bogus caller packing.

Trickster in a Box can be presented to audiences at day centres, lunch clubs, community centres, church groups and cinema matines.

The initiative is being promoted by the Oxfordshire Distraction Burglary Group which aims to reduce the problem of bogus callers and rogue traders.

It aims to stop con men like the one who tricked his way into the home of an elderly woman in Steventon on Tuesday.

The man claimed to be from the Water Board, which doesn't exist, and said he was there to check taps in the kitchen.

Police said he persuaded the woman to wait in the bathroom, and after a long time she returned to the kitchen to find the man gone and her watch missing.

Det Con Jon Shaw, of Abingdon CID, said: "It is heartbreaking that these crimes happen.

"We repeatedly warn people that the Water Board does not exist any more.

"I hope people will remind the elderly, who are likely to be taken in by a scheme like this, that genuine callers will always carry identification.

"Never let anyone into your house without being sure of who they are.

"Remember that a genuine caller will always be prepared to wait and a bona fide caller will phone ahead to make an appointment with you.

"If you are in any doubt as to as caller's sincerity call the police on 999."

For a copy of the DVD contact Alan Haines at Oxfordshire County Council on 01865 258518.