COWBOY builders are passing information to crooks about vulnerable people who could be possible targets for crime, say police.

The County Durham force believes the trade in information is happening in pubs across the area with bogus callers and conmen benefiting from tradesman who have worked in homes.

Unscrupulous builders pass on details about elderly or vulnerable residents as well as information about homes that look insecure.

Similar trades in information are also going on in prisons, with criminals using what they know as currency.

Now the police are calling on people to look after their homes so that the crooks have no information to pass on.

Sergeant John Zissler said: "We don't want to increase the fear of crime or make people scared but if there were no vulnerable houses and if people looked after their neighbours these thieves would not be able to operate."

Sgt Zissler urged people to join the appointed neighbour scheme where elderly residents send any suspicious callers to be checked out by a friend in the area before letting them into their homes.

He said: "We all know houses which look like easy targets. The net curtains look dirty, the gardens look messy and there are often elderly people living there.

"All we are saying is we should do something about these people. Get in touch with the local crime prevention officer who will go and talk to them, or offer to help out yourself.

"The best way to stop criminals passing information between them is to make sure there is nothing to pass on."

Anyone who wants advice on crime prevention can call 0191-3864292 or visit their local police station