Devon council sees rise in reported doorstep crime
Elderly and vulnerable people are being warned of doorstep crime in Devon after almost £100,000 is reported to have been taken so far in 2012, Devon County Council has said.
The authority has formed a partnership with Age UK Devon to offer advice.
In 2010, £50,000 was reported to have been lost to doorstep scams and rogue traders, the council added.
Thousands of stickers offering advice on how to deal with doorstep traders will be available to households.
Councillor Roger Croad, cabinet member for communities, said: "Anyone can be a victim, but these rogue traders tend to target the elderly and vulnerable.
"They understand that victims are often too frightened or embarrassed to even come forward and report the crime as they feel they may be forced into residential care if they admit to being unable to fend for themselves."