A DEDICATED team of hand-picked detectives has been established to combat the problem of bogus officials.

The investigation unit consists of a team of experienced officers who have been nominated from within each division of Durham Constabulary.

Working from the police headquarters at Aykley Heads in Durham, they will collate, analyse and investigate all offences of this nature and arrest those responsible.

The issue of bogus callers was highlighted earlier this month when 82-year-old George Sharpe died three hours after a man conned himself into his home at Haswell, east Durham, and stole £200.

The team's formation will benefit Operation Lancelot, a four-month anti-burglary initiative running throughout Sedgefield borough.

The operation is running throughout the winter months to combat burglaries during the dark nights and is targeting bogus officials as a priority.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Pearson of Sedgefield CID, said: "The formation of this squad is a very important step in the fight against those responsible for this type of offence.

"I do not understand the parasite nature of these criminals who single out the most vulnerable members of the community.

"An important element of the work of this team will be the communication between the squad and colleagues in Cleveland and Northumbria Police forces who are also making these crimes a policy."

Operation Lancelot is also benefiting from the Nominated Neighbour Scheme, which was recently launched across the force.

The scheme involves Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators contacting vulnerable residents in their area and offering to be their nominated neighbour.

If someone calls at their home who they do not recognise, they can show them a card directing the caller to their nominated neighbour to check their credentials.

If the caller is genuine, the nominated neighbour would then return to the house with them.

Sarah Norman, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Sedgefield borough, said: "A resident can nominate another neighbour to check on callers to their home, which is an effort to cut down on bogus officials.

"I've been trying to send as many messages out as I can to the co-ordinators who then get in touch with people within their scheme who they feel are most vulnerable.

"I have informed 468 of our co-ordinators about the packs and the take-up has been really good."