AN elderly woman in Thornbury was repeatedly targeted by telephone scammers as a part of a scheme to defraud her out of £7,000.

The crime is just one of several fraud scams intercepted by Avon and Somerset Police over the past week as a part of a national drive to tackle rogue traders.

In another incident, officers arrested a man on suspicion of burglary after he entered the house of a Glastonbury couple in their 90s claiming to be “checking for damp” in their house.

Detective Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said: “Rogue traders target the most vulnerable in our society and will use any tactic to gain their trust before stealing from them.

“It’s hard to comprehend the effect these crimes have on the victims – some never recover from the horror of having their homes raided.”

The last Rogue Trader Operation in 2016 saw nearly 300 people arrested across the UK, with nearly £3million worth of property recovered and over 5,000 vehicles inspected.

For this year’s action week, officers at Avon and Somerset police have been tackling doorstep crime by carrying out patrols in no cold calling zones, travelling on local buses raising awareness among passengers and using unmarked vehicles to patrol traders.

The have also held a number of coffee mornings across Sough Gloucestershire about the dangers of rogue traders, and spoke to shoppers in supermarkets.

“The aim of this week of action is to help people feel confident about dealing with strangers on their doorstep," DS Belafonte explained.

"Everyone has a part to play - many of us have vulnerable elderly relatives, friends or neighbours and I would ask that you help us to help them stay safe.

"The most important message for anyone concerned about doorstep crime is ‘it’s ok to say no’.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens added: “Remember, it is your doorstep, please do not let these people bully their way into your home.

"If you're not sure who's at your door you don't have to open it, genuine callers will make an appointment to come back at a later date or will be happy to wait while you check they are who they say they are."

According to Avon and Somerset Police, you can help possible victims by:

• supporting them with their banking - helping them get to their branch or with online banking - so they don't keep large sums of cash at home

• keeping household maintenance and gardening under control, or helping to get three quotes from reputable traders for any work that needs doing

• encouraging your older friends or relatives to keep their doors and windows secure. If they have mobility problems and have regular visitors like Meals on Wheels or carers, consider getting a door entry system fitted

• calling 101 to report anyone going door-to-door calling on vulnerable elderly neighbours as it happens, with descriptions and vehicle details