DETECTIVES are hoping the actions of a pensioner who refused to open her door to a trickster will serve as an example to others.

Margaret Martin, of South Bank, near Middlesbrough, was targeted by a lone female who knocked on her door. The girl asked her if she could have 50p as she had no money.

However, Mrs Martin - aware her neighbour had been duped out of her cash just a few days earlier - told the girl: "You got plenty from the old lady next door, clear off."

Langbaurgh Police are hopeful Mrs Martin's actions are a sign that the message is getting through not to open the door to anyone without proper identification.

Police in the east Cleveland area have teamed up with Redcar and Cleveland Trading Standards Department in a trial of large identity cards which can be shown through the window to householders, making it easier for them to check who visitors are.

A police spokesman said one of the most used scams by thieves in the area was to pretend to be a water board official needing to check the water pressure.

The conmen distract the householders by telling them to turn their taps on and off, while they carry out thefts.

Crime prevention officers have been visiting sheltered accommodation in east Cleveland to warn householders about bogus callers.