Musicals to get people wise to scams (From Yeovil Express)

Musicals to get people wise to scams

4:00pm Tuesday 9th February 2010

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TWO musicals which warn people about the danger of doorstep conmen and telephone scams come to South Somerset in March.

The free plays will be performed throughout the area during the first week in March. The first play called "Trickster" tells the story of George, a retired soldier who has become the victim of a distraction burglar.

The play follows George as he realises what has happened and learns the steps that can be taken to tackle distraction burglary.

The second play, "Too Good To Be True" follows Sydney as he falls victim to rogue traders selling tarmac and Mary who thinks she's won the holiday of a lifetime.

Both plays last around an hour and are aimed at the over-60s and people with elderly relatives. Performances will take place at venues throughout South Somerset and include free tea and coffee.

There will also be a raffle and information stands from a number of local organisations including Trading Standards, Age Concern, Pensioners' Forum and the South-West Illegal Money-Lending Team.

The Scamwise project is being led by the Police as part of the Mendip and South Somerset Community Safety Partnership (MSSCSP).

Funding has been granted from the Community Cashback scheme, which allocates seized assets from criminals to community projects.

The MSSCSP is a collection of key local organisations including the police, fire service and district council who work together to promote community safety throughout the area.

Sgt Andy Lloyd said: "These musicals are fun, free and full of good advice about staying safe from doorstep criminals. I would recommend them not only to older people who want to learn about the different scams out there but also to people who have elderly parents who would benefit from some advice.

“The plays are part of our ongoing commitment to doing all we can to remind people about distraction burglars and other crimes.

"Fortunately distraction burglary makes up only a small proportion of crime and people should not be unduly anxious about the problem.

“There are some easy steps to follow which do not take much time and will help reduce the chance of becoming a victim. If anyone has a relative, friend or neighbour who they think would benefit from attending this event I would encourage them to tell them about it.”

South Somerset District Council’s community safety spokesman, Cllr Tony Fife, added: “What we are aiming to do is show people exactly how they should deal with anyone suspicious and prevent themselves from becoming a victim of these kinds of scams. We are fortunate to have a low crime rate but they can and do occur in our area.

"If we can raise awareness across the district then we are arming our community with what they need to keep themselves safe. What's more is that the entertaining nature of these performances give everyone an opportunity of a good day out."

If you would like tickets to any of these events contact Yarlington Housing Group on 01935-404560.

Performance details are as follows.

Tuesday, March 2: Too Good to Be True at Edgar Hall in Somerton. Tea/coffee from 10.30am; performance at 11am.

Tuesday, March 2: Too Good to Be True at David Hall in South Petherton. Tea/coffee from 1.30pm; performance at 2pm.

Wednesday, March 3: Trickster at Westland Leisure Complex, Yeovil. Tea/coffee from 10.30am; performance at 11am.

Wednesday, March 3: Too Good to Be True at Westland Leisure Complex, Yeovil; Tea/coffee from 1.30pm; performance at 2pm.

Thursday, March 4: Trickster at the Memorial Hall, Wincanton. Tea/coffee from 10.30am; performance at 11am.

Thursday, March 4: Too Good to be True at the Memorial Hall, Wincanton. Tea/coffee from 1.30pm; performance at 2pm.

Friday, March 5: Too Good to be True at the Victoria Hall, Crewkerne. Tea/coffee from 10am; performance at 10.30am.

Friday, March 5: Too Good to be True at the Guildhall, Chard. Tea/coffee from 1.30pm; performance at 2pm.

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