Police issue 'most wanted' pictures

The wanted men targeted the elderly and vulnerable

Police have released e-fit pictures of criminals dubbed "the most wanted" in the north-east of England.

The four men are described as the region's most prolific conmen and are being hunted as part of a crackdown on bogus callers and distraction burglars.

They are blamed for some of the most "sickening" crimes on the elderly and vulnerable.

They are wanted in connection with crimes in Cleveland, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Cleveland Police launched Operation Strongbow after 150 bogus-caller offences were recorded in the force area alone in 2002, although they believe many more go unreported.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "These are the criminals whose activities frankly sicken everyone.

"They are the people who trick their way into homes to ransack purses, wallets and valuables.

"Their victims are always elderly and most live alone. Apart from the trauma of being duped and burgled, the aftermath of the offence can lead to them becoming prisoners in their own homes, afraid to open their door to anyone."

Victims are being re-interviewed and shown the e-fits

Victims are being revisited by officers in the hope the man can be traced.

Crime analysts have been used to create the e-fit pictures.

The force spokesman added: "We know these people work in teams, they exchange information on vulnerable targets and they have a callous disregard for everyone but themselves.

"We have had successes in targeting such offenders but these are wicked offences.

"In terms of sheer numbers, they do not have a major impact and often the financial loss is small - but the impact on the victims is substantial and we aim to put a stop to it."

The featured men are accused of claiming to be public utility workmen and entering the homes of elderly people, taking cash and property.

Police say many victims are still suffering trauma months after the offences.