AN operation to target doorstep crime has been carried out this week by Cornwall's Trading Standards team working with Devon and Cornwall Police.

Operation Rogue Trader has been taking place nationally, and aims to identify and tackle cold callers who put sales and financial pressure on vulnerable people in their homes or over the phone.

'These criminals often prey on the fears of home owners who are worried about maintaining their property or persuaded into thinking they will get a good deal if they agree immediately,' said Gary Webster of Cornwall Trading Standards.

'The key message we want to get out is simple: Not Sure? Don't Open the Door.'

With one doorstep trader having been arrested this week for selling excessively overpriced goods, joint mobile patrols have been carried out with the police to check suspicious vehicles and provide advice to residents.

A number of people in the Saltash area who are thought to have been victims of mailing scams were visited during the week.

Visits were also made by Trading Standards and police officers to park home sites targeted by fraudsters last year.