POLICE chiefs are joining forces with one of the region's biggest electricity companies in a bid to stamp out the dangers of bogus house callers.

North Yorkshire Police have embarked on a partnership scheme with Yorkshire Electricity to help residents protect themselves against conmen posing as company officials.

The initiative is planning to drive home the message that people can defend themselves against the continuing problems of distraction burglaries.

Criminals have profited from tricking their way into the homes of elderly and vulnerable people in the county, but are now being targeted in the new crackdown.

The national People United Against Crime and Yorkshire Electricity have put together a leaflet which gives advice and guidelines on how to check that house callers are genuine.

It also features advice from other utilities, including Northern Electric, Yorkshire Water, British Gas and Transco.

Police and local authorities will be distributing 200,000 copies of the leaflet to households across the region. Other agencies, such as Age Concern, will also help community safety officers in promoting the campaign.

Senior police officials have welcomed the joint venture with the electricity giant, saying it will aid the most vulnerable people in society.

North Yorkshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable, Peter Bagshaw, praised the idea of the Callers at the Door scheme, saying: "Distraction burglaries cause a lot of distress, especially to the most vulnerable members of the community, like the elderly and disabled.

"Anything which can help us pass on advice about how to recognise a bogus caller is a real bonus to the information our officers already give out."

Mr Bagshaw said: "We warmly welcome the work of People United Against Crime and Yorkshire Electricity in this initiative."

With a worrying number of distraction numbers still being carried out in the region, the latest initiative has also won the backing of Superintendent Kelvin Ashby, from the Home Office.