Members of the public are being warned to be on their guard against criminals claiming to be from the police.

We are asking residents to be vigilant against these organised criminals and look out for vulnerable family or friends who are more at risk of falling victim to them.

Unfortunately, people in their 80s are most likely to be impacted by this crime - known as courier fraud - with this age range accounting for 43 per cent of all victims, according to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.

In West Mercia, there were 35 reports of courier fraud in the last year, totalling £233,659.

Courier fraudsters can seem convincing but no police officer from any force will ever ask you to make a payment or purchase, withdraw or transfer money or ask for your bank details.

If anyone does it will be a scam. Put the phone down and call the police or your bank from another landline or mobile to check, not the one you were called on.

Incidents like these are being tackled as part of Operation Prospero, which directly targets offenders posing as police officers, working in conjunction with Action Fraud .

For more information about door-to-door and courier fraud please visit Door-to-door and courier fraud | West Mercia Police .

Anyone who thinks they may have been contacted by a bogus police officer should call 101 or report it via our website Report a crime | West Mercia Police .