A NATIONAL expert on tackling doorstep crime is to pass on advice to a town's residents.

Former Chief Superintendent Brian Steele, from Leeds, has been brought in by Cleveland Police and will give two talks in Middlesbrough today.

The visit has been arranged by PC Ged Kirkbright, crime reduction officer with Cleveland Police, which last June set up a special team - Operation Strongbow - to counter an increase in bogus callers and distraction burglaries.

Since its launch, 96 offences have been detected but 337 offences have been reported.

PC Kirkbright said: "The criminals involved in these types of offences prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities.

"They think nothing about swapping the names of potential victims with each other and in some cases use threats and intimidation.

"Vulnerable people in our communities must be protected. We hope by bringing Brian to Middlesbrough, to share his knowledge and expertise, we can help raise awareness amongst the elderly and protect them from these insidious criminals.''

Mr Steele will address a public meeting at the Methodist Church Hall, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, at 9.30am, after talking to an Age Concern lunch club.

PC Kirkbright hopes families will bring elderly relatives along to the church hall.

He said: "We can and will play our part in protecting the vulnerable in our communities, but relatives and the public can also help. Keep an eye out for elderly parents and neighbours, report activity by strangers they think are suspicious. Be our eyes and ears and don't hesitate to ring the police. Quick action can often stop these criminals in their tracks.''

* The Northern Echo's Doorstoppers campaign is aiming to raise awareness of bogus callers and door-to-door sales teams.