RESIDENTS are being asked to help keep a town free of bogus callers.

Every home in Shildon will receive stickers and information leaflets containing emergency numbers as the town fights the conmen who prey on vulnerable members of society.

In a show of unity led by Shildon's out-going mayor Stuart Bird, agencies including Shildon Community Safety Group, Age Concern, Carelink and the neighbourhood wardens unveiled the stickers and leaflets and urged residents to be vigilant, especially during the summer months.

Coun Bird said: "We haven't had a bogus caller in Shildon this year and this is the way we want it to stay. These people are just vultures from outside the town who drop in, take what they can and leave.

"This campaign could not have been possible without the involvement and hard work of so many agencies who have worked together to get it up and running."

The scheme aims to help the more vulnerable members of society recognise bogus callers.

The stickers have been designed to show visitors that householders will not allow anyone entry to their homes without an appointment or some kind of identification.

A competition supported by donations from local businesses will encourage householders to display the stickers, along with a list of emergency telephone numbers which will tell people who to call to check identities when companies such as British Gas and Northumbrian Water are in the area.

The Northern Echo launched its Doorstoppers Campaign in 2003 to crack down on bogus tradesmen and cold callers.