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

Margaret Martin, of South Bank, was targeted by a lone female who knocked on her door.

The girl asked Mrs Martin if she could have 50p as she had no money. However Mrs Martin was aware her neighbour had been duped out of her cash just a few days earlier and 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.

The police in the East Cleveland area have teamed up with Redcar and Cleveland Trading Standards Department to trial the use of large identity cards which can be shown through the window to householders making it easier for them to check identities.

A spokesman for the police said one of the most used scams by thieves in the area is to pretend to be water board officials needing to check the water pressure. The con men tell the householders to turn their taps on and off while they ransack the home.

Michelle O'Rourke of the trading standards department said: "Water board workers would not need householders to turn on their taps if they were working nearby."

Crime prevention officers have been visiting sheltered accommodation in East Cleveland to warn householders about bogus callers and to remind them to call the police if in any doubt.