POLICE are urging criminals to report dodgy doorstep crooks who target elderly and infirm people in their homes for easy cash.

Officers say these people are the "lowest of the low", and that even seasoned criminals will condemn their cold-hearted behaviour.

The call follows three incidents in York in the past week alone in which people have been approached by suspicious tradesmen.

PC Richard Gatecliffe, who is investigating the offences, said: "Anybody that preys on the elderly or infirm is despicable. We want people to shop these people. We know that in the criminal fraternity attacks on the elderly and infirm are seen as the lowest of the low."

PC Gatecliffe said at one address at Rylatt Place, Acomb, an elderly man was "browbeaten" into handing over £60 by two men who cut branches off a tree in his garden without permission.

In Briar Avenue, off Wetherby Road, an elderly woman handed over up to £80 to a workman, aged in his 40s, who claimed her roof tiles needed replacing. He then disappeared.

Meanwhile, a pensioner was left "extremely distressed" at her home in Northfields, Strensall, when a man approached her and said her roof needed urgent steam cleaning. No money changed hands.

Officers believe that some of the incidents may be connected and are investigating several leads as to the identity of one of the men. PC Gatecliffe said: "As we approach Christmas we are also urging residents to watch out for the neighbours.

"If you have an elderly person living nearby, watch out for suspicious vehicles. Residents must make themselves aware of the dangers.

"If anyone has information about the thefts, call us on 0845 60 60 24 7 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111."

The warning comes as council leaders announced they are "taking the gloves off" when it comes to dealing with bogus businesses and cowboy tradesmen.

Councillors are considering whether to amend council policy to bring in tougher enforcement action if businesses fail to give their address or tell customers of their right to cancel.

Lib Dem deputy leader Andrew Waller said: "I would like to see the council prosecuting the first time that evidence shows that they have ripped off York residents."

Last year, York's trading standards officers received 50 complaints from people about bogus property repairers and pressure selling.

Updated: 11:04 Saturday, December 04, 2004