"WE'LL be back" was the warning from police and trading standards officers after targeting cowboy tradesmen in a joint operation.

The clampdown saw officers carrying out patrols and roadside checks on vehicles in Hambleton along the A19 and at major intersections, using specialist intelligence data.

The teams questioned 55 builders, workmen and tradesmen, checked 82 vans and trucks and gathered intelligence, using automatic number plate recognition units, for analysis.

They focused on incidents where cold callers have charged for unnecessary work, overcharged for repairs or building, left work unfinished, threatened and intimidated home owners, and even damaged property deliberately to obtain money.

A survey in November 2005 revealed that efforts by the County Council's trading standards to tackle doorstep crime led to the number of cold callers touting for work in North Yorkshire falling by 29 per cent.

Police have also noted that many doorstep criminals travel large distances to commit crime and some teams exchange information with distraction burglars.

Operation Rogue Trader involved North Yorkshire Police and County Council Trading Standards officers who warned afterwards: "'We'll be back for more checks and investigations".

A mobile police station was stationed in Thirsk Market Place to offer people guidance and advice while another four trading standards and police teams combed areas including Easingwold and Thirsk.

They approached anyone who appeared to be working on properties to find out if the homeowner had agreed to the work and ensure no offences were being committed.

Sergeant Sarah Jane Sanderson, who co-ordinated the police operation, said: "There were some offences, including breaches of Trading Standards regulations.

"But the main effect of all this high-visibility action has been to seriously disrupt the activity of rogue traders right across Hambleton."

She said the operation also aimed to show they were "willing to put considerable resources into checking them out and making it very clear they are not welcome in North Yorkshire".

Updated: 09:16 Saturday, April 29, 2006