Over the next six months Northumbrian Water is to upgrade 10km of water mains in the Firth Moor area beginning on Tuesday.

During the course of the work, Northumbrian Water staff are unlikely to need access into customers' homes.

But if they do householders are urged to check identification and be aware of potential bogus callers.

Northumbrian Water spokeswoman, Cara Hall, said: "Customers should be vigilant while the improvement work is carried out and if they need to check the identification of a person they can ring our call centre to make sure they are genuine.

"Customers can also register a password with us - if we do need access into their home the representative calling at their home will know this word. If in doubt - keep them out."