ENERGY company npower has introduced measures to help protect vulnerable homeowners from bogus callers.

The firm's Priority Services Register encourages North-East customers to create a memorable password that npower workers will use when calling at homes to read electricity and gas meters.

Geraldine Dunne, of npower, said: "We created the register for those who have sight or hearing difficulties, are disabled, chronically sick or are over 60.

"We also have a Callers at the Door leaflet, which offers advice on what to do when a stranger calls at your home."

Home Office statistics show the festive period often sees a rise in distraction burglaries.

There were 212 offences recorded in Darlington between January and March last year, 1,180 in North Yorkshire, 574 in Middlesbrough and 309 in Hartlepool.

The Northern Echo's Doorstoppers campaign is leading the fight for Parliament to outlaw cold-calling.

For details about how to join npower's Priority Service Register, call 0845 166 3535.