PREYING on the elderly comes pretty high up on the list when it comes to being the lowest of the low.

And Manny Barney would know all about that. The 30-year-old called on a number of vulnerable people and then ripped them off. Police described his actions as “despicable” and the five- year jail sentence will keep him off the streets for a while. Basic security can help. Is your back door locked? Are you expecting anyone? Put the chain on before opening the door. Ask for the caller’s identification. Measures like these might just keep parasites like Barney at bay.