A CHARITY has joined forces with police officers to ensure vulnerable people and pensioners feel safe at home.

Age UK South Gloucestershire, based in Thornbury, and Avon and Somerset Constabulary, will host a home security event on Wednesday, September 25 on the High Street during which they will share their expertise and safety tips with elderly residents.

Police officers and charity staff will also be on hand to answer guests' questions and discuss with them their home security and insurance arrangements.

PC Roger Jones, crime reduction adviser, said: "The open day will be a welcome opportunity to meet older people in the local area and discuss with them any issues in respect of their security.

"We know that older people often worry about their vulnerability, and the event will be an ideal way to offer reassurance whilst giving appropriate advice on how to keep homes safe and secure as well as dealing with unwanted doorstep callers and rogue traders."

Patrick Morrissey, trading manager at Age UK South Gloucestershire, added: "Keeping our homes safe and secure is of the upmost importance to all of us so we are keen to encourage older people in South Gloucestershire to come along to our open day so they can get the information they need to do this.

"We also know from our customers that insurance policies can be confusing with no clarity of what is actually covered. We’d like to help older people in the local area understand their policies and have the appropriate cover for their needs."

The open day will be held at the Age UK office, 67 High Street, Thornbury, between 10am and 3pm.