WARNINGS over doorstep callers in Suffolk have been issued as the number of calls in some areas of the county more than tripled in the last year.The county council's trading standards and social care departments have joined forces against those targeting vulnerable and elderly residents.

WARNINGS over doorstep callers in Suffolk have been issued as the number of calls in some areas of the county more than tripled in the last year.

The county council's trading standards and social care departments have joined forces against those targeting vulnerable and elderly residents.

As partners in the 'Doorstep Initiative' along with Age Concern, the police and Neighbourhood Watch, both trading standards and social care departments at Suffolk County Council are sadly familiar with the tricks and ploys of those who single out and victimise local residents.

Officers have chosen this week - National Consumer Week, with this year's theme of 'Foot in the Door' - to highlight the increase in doorstep calls across the county.

To tackle doorstep callers social care have ensured that every household in Suffolk receiving care is provided with:

Information on Doorstep Dos and Don'ts

A key safety box to prevent burglaries through trusting residents 'hiding' keys in flowerpots and on string

Rapid alerts on doorstep callers in the area.

In turn trading standards are:

Sharing information with the police and other doorstep partners on the movements of doorstep callers across Suffolk

Warning and advising the public on sales tactics used by unscrupulous callers

Providing advice cards and posters for residents in the county

Providing a free standard contract for consumers to use when signing up for building work.

Peter Monk, member of the county council's executive committee, said: "This is no longer a hidden problem in Suffolk now we know how these people operate and who they target. Our social care workers are giving residents the knowledge to protect themselves against these rogues while trading standards are working to expose the scare stories and sales patter they employ. We have already worked closely with the police, Age Concern and Neighbourhood Watch and hope that our continued partnership will help drive these people out of the county."