POLICE have issued a warning to be on their guard against rogue traders who are targeting elderly and vulnerable people.

The conmen have been active in several locations, but in recent days have been attempting to dupe people in the Stanley and Consett areas.

Detective Inspector Marian Garland said yesterday that the cold callers were convincing and chatty, offering residents services from hedge trimming and tree lopping to paving, block work and roof repairs.

She said: "Money is asked for before any work is carried out. They then do a minimal amount of work, ask for further payment and disappear, never to be seen again.

"More often, however, they simply pocket the cash and no work is done at all.''

DI Garland described those responsible as callous and calculating conmen who deliberately target vulnerable people.

The police warning followed a crime in Wheatley Hill, on Tuesday.

Two men arrived at a pensioner's home, in Bevan Crescent, claiming to be from the "water board" and stating there had been an explosion and he needed to turn on his taps.

While they kept him busy, they ransacked his home, stealing savings he had planned to give to charity.

In a second incident, which police believe may be linked to the Wheatley Hill crime, a man also claiming to be from the water company called at the Easington home of a 76-year-old woman.

On this occasion, the con was foiled when the woman did all the right things, asking for identification and refusing him access.

DI Garland gave some guidelines for residents yesterday:

"Our advice is simple: Do not let strangers into your home. If you don't know the caller, do not engage them in conversation and do not open your door.

"Always check identity cards and phone numbers. Do not agree to work being done or sign a contract until you have talked to someone else. Bone fide tradesmen will accept this and not consider it rude.''

A description has been given of the two thieves who stole the charity money. One is 5ft 10in, in his 20s, slim, with dark hair, wearing a light blue T-shirt, possibly a football top.

The second man, in his 20s, was of medium build with dark hair and wearing dark clothes.

Police have appealed to anyone with information on any bogus callers to contact them on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.