JOYCE Hardy should be applauded for helping convict Noel Ward and Patrick Connors – the ‘bogus builders’ who left High Wycombe in shock last year after running down a pedestrian in a police chase.

The 81-year-old was thanked by the judge after giving evidence at their trial, and hopefully her actions can give other elderly residents confidence to stand up to conmen.

Mrs Hardy readily admits she made a mistake by initially listening to the pair – as they spun her a tale about rotten wood and birds flying out of her roof. As she says, she grew up in an era when you could trust people.

But as soon as Mrs Hardy became suspicious she did the right thing and told her son – who phoned the police.

Times have changed and elderly residents especially need to take the following police advice: l Ensure doors and windows are locked and, before answering the front door, check the back one is locked. Then look through the spy hole or glass panel to see if you recognise the caller; l If you decide to open the door, place the door bar or chain on first; l Ask the person who they are and take their ID. Close the door, then look up the organisation in the phone book and call them to confirm the details.

And don’t be embarrassed to take these steps – because they may well save you from conmen such as Ward and Connors.