A SCHEME to help prevent residents falling prey to rogue doorstep traders was launched yesterday.

Durham County Council's Trading Standards team will set up a Registered Trader Scheme across the county.

It aims to offer householders a "good guys" list, so they can choose a registered trader with confidence.

Trading Standards head Phillip Holman said: "We would urge all householders not to employ cold-callers offering to do repairs."

The register, being drawn up with Community Safety Partnerships, will mean traders such as builders, plumbers and decorators are vetted before they are allowed to join. Staff hope to have the register in operation by the spring.

The winter months traditionally see a rise in bogus callers, and Mr Holman warned householders to be on their guard.

He said: "Shorter days and winter weather are a prime time for unscrupulous callers to prey on the fears of householders by cold-calling and offering to do property repairs.

"At first, it may seem as if they are a good Samaritan, but this may just be a front to deceive the occupier.

"If any work is carried out, it may be unnecessary and of poor quality, and the chances are you will be overcharged. If anything goes wrong, such traders can rarely be traced.

"They may be part of a gang seeking to find out if the householder keeps cash at home and may try to con their way into the house."

Deputy county council leader Councillor Don Ross said: "We would urge all residents to use door chains when answering the door to unexpected callers.

"If in any doubt as to whether a person is genuine, ask them to come back and see them with a friend or relative present."

For further details, call 0845 330 3313.