A drive to reduce sneak-in burglary and other doorstep crime is being spearheaded in Hartlepool.

Two members of staff from Hartlepool Borough Council's public protection division have been trained to go into the local community and advise groups of people on personal safety.

They can visit groups and give presentations based on a video, Beware the Bogeyman, produced by the North of England trading standards group.

The video features a reconstruction of a typical scenario - two burglars posing as council workers who steal from the home of an elderly woman after conning their way inside.

Brian Dinning, senior technical officer with the council's trading standards team, said; "Even if we prevent one person becoming a victim of distraction burglary then this awareness-raising initiative will have been a success.

"The presentations are mainly aimed at adults in the older age range, but we will go out to any group that feels its members might benefit."

Groups interested in arranging a presentation by trading standards officers can contact Mr Dinning on (01429) 523352.