ANOTHER North-East authority has joined The Northern Echo's campaign to stamp out doorstep conmen.

Doorstoppers has the backing of the police, trading standards, politicians, utility companies and organisations which look after the welfare of the elderly.

The aim is to raise awareness of the dangers of bogus callers and distraction burglaries.

The campaign also aims to press for a change in the law to combat door-to-door property repair tradesmen.

Police forces across the region are dealing with a growing number of doorstep crimes - committed by people they describe as "ruthless and often highly-professional".

Figures show more than 250,000 people a year across the country are targeted by bogus callers, but experts believe there is widespread underreporting and the number could be much higher.

Now, Durham County Council is doing its bit by signing up to the National Cold Calling Protocol which is designed to prevent older people falling victim to incidents of deception and distraction by criminals using false identity cards.

Research has shown that members of the same criminal fraternity often commit the more serious forms of doorstep crime, including bogus property repairs and distraction burglaries.

Evidence has also highlighted the fact that elderly women seem to be the most sought after targets and are often subjected to repeat offending, due to criminals trading their details.

The conmen have long been able to exploit a number of legal loopholes and a lack of co-ordination between officials.

But the Trading Standards Service is working with a network of partners to close up some of the omissions which have provided opportunities for criminals.

Local authorities signing up to the new protocol will be a step towards reassuring householders that it will be much more difficult for bogus callers to pass themselves off as employees of local authorities.

Genuine employees of signed up local authorities will now make pre-arranged appointments wherever possible.

In addition to carrying clear and large print identification, employees will physically hand the ID over and ask householders to check it.

Phillip Holman, Durham County County's head of trading standards, said: "Certain aspects of this protocol are crucial to changing behaviour.

"If all utility and local authority employees follow this protocol to the letter then elderly people will be less likely to permit entry to anyone who claims to be on official business.''

County Council deputy leader Don Ross said: "Durham County Council is determined to play a full and active role in protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities from these insidious criminals. We hope that, in time, many other large organisations will follow our lead and adopt this very worthwhile initiative.''