RISING levels of doorstep cons have prompted a warning from water board chiefs.

North West Water is working with police to remind customers to check officials' identification before letting them in to their homes.

Stickers will be distributed to households, particularly to the elderly.

NWW's operations manager Paul Holt said: "We are delighted to be able to support this worthwhile initiative. Anything that makes householders feel that little bit safer in their homes has to be a great idea. In the majority of cases there is no reason for a North West Water employee or contractor to call at your property without having made a prior appointment.

"All our employees carry identity cards which customers should ask to see and examine."

The water company also provides a password scheme on which customers provide a special code which employees must recite before gaining access to homes.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.