In April, Finmere Parish Council was approached by Trading Standards to see if they wanted to introduce the scheme to put a stop to unexpected callers visiting vulnerable members of the community.

Information about the project was then posted through every door in the village with a questionnaire asking if it would be welcomed.

Mike Kerford-Byrnes, chairman of the parish council, said the overwhelming response was in favour of the scheme with half of the 170 householders saying yes.

As a result, door stickers warning off potential cold callers have now been issued and put up across the village.

Cllr Kerford-Byrnes said: "I have an elderly mother-in-law who lives in the village and we were quite worried on her behalf because we have experienced a degree of cold calling. It is more of a mental boost to those in the village who feel most vulnerable and for those people who care for or who are related to the most vulnerable people.

"Crimes may seem relatively petty in nature but even if it's a few pounds stolen from their purse it can really rock their world, the impact can be huge."

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "While Finmere has not been disproportionately targeted by rogue traders, it does fit the profile, being a village within easy access of several major roads.

"Rogue traders often target villages because of the high numbers of elderly residents as well as their remoteness."

Anyone knocking on doors in Finmere who has not been invited will be treated as suspicious and residents are advised to call police on 08453 505 505.