Police are reminding residents not to fall for so-called courier fraud, following an incident in which an 87-year-old Godalming man was almost deceived into parting with his money.

Two 19-year-old men from London were arrested and bailed after the incident in June, which was only prevented after the man's neighbour intervened and called police. The pair have been re-bailed until 10th September.

The man was phoned by a cold caller claiming to be a police officer from Luton who was cafrryng out a fraud investigation.

The man was told that a family member had swapped 'legitimate' cash from his bank account with counterfeit bank notes.

He was instructed to withdraw the cash and confirm the serial numbers over the phone. He was told a courier would then collect the money from him.

Bernadette Lawrie from Surrey Police said: "Courier fraud is a heartless crime perpetrated by criminals who are specifically targeting elderly people across the county.

"I can't emphasise enough that we, as the police, and your bank, will never ask for your PIN or full banking password. We will never ask you to withdraw money or transfer money out of your account, or arrange for anyone to collect bank cards or money from your home address."

Residents have been reminded never to give any money to people they don't know or trust; to check people are who they claim to be, by calling the organisation back, preferably on another phone; not to share personal infromation; and, if in doubt, to phone a relative or friend for support.