WAYS to stamp out the scourge of bogus callers who con their way into victim's homes in the North-East were placed in focus yesterday.

Experts met at Sunderland's Stadium of Light to hear how the Home Office's Distraction Burglary Task Force is working with utility companies to combat the crime.

A national "toolkit" - advising on best practice, doorstep etiquette for utility workers and outlining devices which can be installed in homes - was unveiled at the conference.

Delegates were told that in the year up to the end of March 2001, Home Office figures showed there were almost 600 incidents reported to police in the Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria police force areas.

Task force joint manager Usha Choli said: "Typically, these are where intruders gain access to houses posing as utility or trades people while they, or an accomplice, steal valuables from old and vulnerable people.

"Their victims' average age is 81 and 60 per cent are women. The vast majority live alone."

Ms Choli said the figures could be at least four times higher than reported, as many victims kept quiet because they felt too ashamed about being duped.

She advised: "Do not let anyone in unless they have made a prior appointment.

"Chain the door, before you open it and check the callers' ID cards against the appointment letter."

Northumbrian Water operations director Graham Neave said: "We are determined to do all can to combat the crime.

"The water company seldom needs access to a customer's property without prior arrangement and, if anyone has doubts about a caller's identity, they should ring the customer centre on 0845 717 1100 to check before letting anyone in.

"Customers can also register a confidential password with us by post or over the telephone for added peace of mind.