A BOGEYMAN horror video could help save householders from becoming victims of doorstep crime.

Hartlepool Borough Council is clamping down on doorstep crime and sneak-in burglars with a short film, called Beware the Bogeyman.

The video is produced by the North of England Trading Standards Group and presented by former Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Steele, from West Yorkshire.

It features a reconstruction of a typical scenario - two conmen posing as council workers who steal from the home of an elderly woman after conning their way inside.

The council is offering to meet residents' associations, youth and community organisations and even small groups of neighbours to pass on advice about personal safety.

Brian Dinning, trading standards officer with Hartlepool council, said: "We have given a number of presentations which were well received, but we believe there are other groups that could benefit.

"The presentations are mainly aimed at adults in the older age range, but we will go out to any groups that feel their members might benefit."

The video stresses several key security messages, including:

* Don't keep large amounts of cash at home, always use a bank or building society.

* Always secure your door chain, and if you don't have one then get one fitted.

* Always ask callers for proof of identification and then verify it by calling the local authority or company they claim to represent.

* Never invite cold callers to do jobs on your home, and ask callers to make an appointment and return when a friend or relative is present.

Groups interested in arranging a presentation are asked to contact Mr Dinning on (01429) 523352.