POLICE are turning up the heat on bogus callers.

Operation Delivery, launched yesterday, comes in the wake of the growing incidence of the crime, which is often aimed at the old and vulnerable.

In one of the more tragic cases, George Sharpe, 82, of Haswell, near Peterlee, County Durham, died of a heart attack hours after being burgled by a bogus council worker.

Chief Superintendent Bob Pattison said: "Distraction burglaries are particularly unpleasant, since they usually involve older or vulnerable people and they take place in someone's home."

Yesterday, more than a dozen teams set out to focus on cowboy builders, disreputable door-to-door salespeople and those involved in distraction burglaries.

Vehicles considered likely to be used by bogus callers were stopped while people seen carrying out building work at homes were spoken to and their credentials checked.

Northumbria Police officers were joined by the Benefits Agency, Vehicle Inspectorate and the National Enforcement Agency.

Chief Supt Pattison said: "This operation is part of our ongoing work to create a climate in which bogus callers will find it difficult to operate.

"We also want to warn householders that it is approaching the time of the year when they may get people knocking on their doors offering to do gardening or minor building work.

"When dealing with workers, people should rely on recommendations from friends or relatives. It is best to choose a company which has been established a long time.

"Our advice is not to let anyone in your home unless they can prove they are legitimate callers."

Police in County Durham and on Teesside issued a warning last month when it became clear some victims were repeatedly targeted.

People are advised to:

* Fit a door chain/restrictor and viewer

* Supervise any vistitor at all times

* Check identity cards, which should include a photograph of the caller and details of the company

* Keep a checklist at the front door including useful phone numbers such as the local authority or police.

* If the caller cannot quote the relevant numbers they should not be let in the house.