POLICE across Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne were part of a countywide crackdown on doorstep crime on Friday in the latest Operation Relentless day of action.

Officers worked with Trading Standards, the Borders and Immigration Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and the Department of Work and Pensions in the operation which coincided with a national hit on rogue traders.

The aim was to tackle rogue traders who visit elderly and vulnerable people and overcharge them for work, carry out unnecessary work or commit fraud. The day also see officers promoting the "If in doubt, keep them out" crime prevention message.

Superintendent Sandy Padgett, of Yeovil Police, who oversaw the operation, said: "We work closely with these other enforcement agencies, especially Trading Standards, because we know that rogue traders target the most vulnerable members of our community.

"We also know that they share information with other doorstep criminals, such as distraction burglars. This sort of crime has a major impact on the victim's quality of life."

Somerset County Council's portfolio holder for community safety, Cllr Jim Mochnacz, said: "We are committed to protecting people from rogue traders, who often do shoddy work or sell sub-standard goods to the most vulnerable in our communities.

"We have a good partnership with the police and our officers work closely with them to great effect."