PEOPLE are being warned about a doorstep conman who has tricked several elderly householders out of money.

A well-spoken young man has struck at least four times over the past few days in the West Lane area of Middlesbrough.

On each occasion, he has knocked on doors and asked to borrow money to pay for a taxi because his car had broken down.

Police said he had offered to leave behind his mobile phone as security at each house, and said he would return with the money.

At one property, he left behind a carrier bag he said contained a video and phone, and returned later to ask for more money from the elderly householder.

He fled empty-handed from the home of another would-be victim when the householder accepted his offer to leave behind his mobile and demanded he hand it over.

The thief is described as being aged between 18 and 30, slim with spiky fair hair. He was wearing a denim jacket and a three-quarter-length coat.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 303126.

The incidents are the latest in a series across the North-East and North Yorkshire to be reported since The Northern Echo launched its Doorstoppers campaign in November.

In conjunction with trading standards departments and police forces, the aim of the campaign is to highlight the dangers of distraction burglaries and doorstep crime.