Trading standards officers have contacted banks to ensure vulnerable householders did not hand over their savings under pressure.

The council has said that so far more than �71,000 has been saved from 11 residents.

Council strategic planning member, Pauline Stockwell, said: "The county council is determined to stamp out the activities of rogue traders wherever possible.

"This has been a very successful initiative in protecting the interests of our most vulnerable residents."

Trading standards advise people to turn away anyone who offers to carry out property repairs on their doorstep and report the matter.