EVERYBODY needs good neighbours and that is the message of a campaign to tackle rogue traders.

Communities across County Durham are being urged to look out for each other by Durham County Council’s Trading Standards team which wants to residents to stop bogus callers in their tracks.

Figures reveals that there are as many as 170,000 incidents of doorstep crime- in which vulnerable people are convinced to pay for shoddy, incomplete, unwanted and over priced work- each year with many others thought to go unreported.

The team wants people to looked out for the signs of a bogus caller including traders cold calling or posting flyers through doors and vans parked nearby, building work starting unexpectedly on a neighbour’s house and visibly poor quality work.

Neighbours who have been targeted may also appear anxious and visit the bank, building society or Post Office more often, sometimes event accompanied by a trader.

If someone is concerned they are encouraged to privately ask their neighbour if they are okay, if not contact a relative or carer on their behalf, note the details of vehicles seen outside their home, keep any flyers received and contact the police if traders become intimidating or threatening.

Joanne Waller, the council's head of environmental health and consumer protection, said: “We are reminding residents of the importance of being a vigilant and good neighbour, especially if those living close by are elderly or vulnerable.

“If you spot any of the signs of rogue traders taking advantage in your neighbourhood using persuasive or intimidating behaviour, or a neighbour appears to be distressed or agitated by unsolicited callers, please contact our Trading Standards team or the police straight away.”

The warning comes ahead of National Consumer Week, an annual campaign which is focusing on being a good neighbour to help stop bogus callers.

Anyone concerned can contact the Consumer Helpline on 03454-040506, Durham County Council’s Trading Standards team on 03000-261016, email tradingstandards@durham.gov.uk or call police on 101.