A GROUP of youngsters is helping to protect pensioners in a new approach to tackling the threat of bogus callers.

Pupils from three east Durham schools have organised a series of theatrical productions on the theme of bogus officials and other conmen.

They will explore ways to prevent walk-in burglars from plundering personal property and savings.

To help get the message across to those vulnerable to this type of crime, the pupils have performed the shows for elderly people.

The productions have been developed as part of the Easington On Track crime prevention programme.

Led by County Durham Youth Offending Service, the initiative aims to create safer communities by working with children aged between four and 12, their parents and the police.

The scheme's drama group draws together youngsters from Denehouse Primary School, Eden Community Primary School and Dene Community School of Technology.

They were recently rewarded for their work at a performance for local beat bobbies and community support officers, when they were presented with certificates for helping in the fight against crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Tait, crime manager for Easington police, who handed out the certificates, said: "We recognise it is not just our responsibility to protect vulnerable and elderly groups - we need the support of the community.

"These young people deserve every credit for their commitment to looking after the elderly, who we know listen to the message when it is presented in this way."

On Track programme manager Nikki Roberts said: "By working in partnership with children, their parents and other agencies with a focus on early intervention, we can create solutions that hopefully will make an impact on breaking offending cycles."

The initiative comes after County Durham recorded an increase in house burglaries, including bogus caller thefts, in the year up to last March.

There were 4,032 break-ins reported, compared with 3,200 in the previous 12 months - a rise of 26 per cent