DOORSTEP crime is a cause of great concern. So we welcome the launch today of an awareness campaign in York and North Yorkshire.

Tricksters and criminals who prey on the elderly and vulnerable in their own homes are the lowest of the low. Their actions, from suspicious cold calling to criminal behaviour, are despicable. These vile opportunists will stop at nothing.

Doorstep crime runs the gamut from suspicious cold callers, who turn up with offers too good to be true, to out-and-out criminals who talk their way into an elderly person's home and rob or harm their victims.

Sometimes an unscrupulous tradesman will offer to carry out unnecessary work. The frightened householder may agree just to get the dubious builder to go away, only to find they return later, demanding more money for shoddy or incomplete work. Distraction burglary is another common threat, when a cold caller uses an excuse to get into an elderly person's home.

The long-term effects of such con tricks and crimes can be devastating, with studies suggesting that elderly victims are more likely to suffer poor health or die younger.

So the "Say no to doorstep callers" campaign is to be welcomed. It is hoped this initiative will see off the nuisance callers, and give the criminal callers no chance of getting a foot in the door.

Education is an important part of this campaign, which suggests three important steps people can take. These are: not keeping cash at home; improving doorstep skills; and learning how to turn away unwanted callers.

Such measures should help create a greater awareness among householders, especially the elderly. Then callers who have a genuine reason for their visit, and who have registered their intention to call in advance with the police, can carry out their legitimate business without causing fear or worry.

Updated: 09:43 Monday, November 24, 2003