POLICEMAN turned Mayor Ray Mallon is urging residents to be wary of a knock on the door.

The former head of Middlesbrough CID, now Mayor of Middlesbrough, is launching the distribution of 60,000 posters urging people to be on their guard against opening their doors to unexpected callers.

He is meeting the chairmen of the town's community councils to discuss the campaign. It was Southfield Community Council that came up with the idea of the brightly coloured reminders.

Chairman Les Fawcett said: "W are very pleased our idea has been taken up by other community councils.

"We think it is timely to be distributing the posters as the dark nights are coming in to help remind people about the need to look after themselves and be careful when someone knocks at their door.''

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member with Middlesbrough Council for law and order, said: "This is a good example of community councils working to provide practical support for potentially vulnerable people. I hope it will help keep older people safe and secure in their own homes.''