Scambuster show for residents

Release Date:  03-Jul-2009

Practical advice on how to protect yourself from distraction burglars and other scams comes in the unusual form of a musical play at the seaside next week.

The popular play, called ‘Trickster’, is being performed at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare next Tuesday 7th July.

The show tells the story of a retired soldier who falls victim to distraction burglars, then battles with the humiliation of being conned and finally manages to beat the bogus callers. The hour-long play gives useful information on crime prevention and practical advice on how to protect against distraction burglary and doorstep crime.

Trickster is being funded jointly by Avon & Somerset Constabulary and the newly established South West Scambusters team. Set up and led by Bristol City Council’s Trading Standards, the South West Scambusters team is based in Bristol but covers the whole region from Gloucester down to Cornwall.

Alan Evans, manager of the Scambusters team, says: “Distraction burglars and doorstep criminals prey on the most vulnerable members of society. We want to make sure residents are aware of the dangers and protect them from these unscrupulous criminals, so that they can feel safe and confident in their own homes. This entertaining play is a great way to get a serious message across to residents and help them protect themselves.

“Our new Scambusters team is dedicated to tracking down these criminals and putting them out of business. By working closer with the police, sharing information and resources, we are much better equipped to get to grips with them.”

Speaking about the play, Superintendent Trevor Margenout from Avon & Somerset Constabulary said "We are always looking at different ways of talking about crime prevention and this play is an excellent example of that. If you know someone, maybe a relative or a neighbour, who you think may benefit from this play, please tell them about it. An hour spent watching this show could save a lot of distress and heartache in the event of a burglary, and hopefully even prevent the crime in the first place."

The play is being performed on Tuesday 7th July at Prince Consort Hall in the Winter Gardens. The free performances are at 10.30am and 2.30pm but doors will open an hour before hand when free and tea and coffee will be available. The audience will also be able talk to officers from the Scambusters Team, Avon & Somerset Police and other key organisations providing advice and support, including North Somerset Trading Standards and Consumer Direct.

Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis by calling tel. 0117 352 5701 or by turning up and getting a ticket on the door.

Anyone who thinks they may have been ripped off by a rogue trader or wants to report a scam should report the matter in the first instance via the Consumer Direct helpline on 08454 04 05 06. Alternatively they can email scambusters@bristol.gov.uk.
 

Author:  Catherine Frankpitt tel. 0117 922 3463

For all media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Corporate Communications on 0117 922 2650.

To link to this page directly, use the URL
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/redirect?oid=PressRelease-id-30732028

Subscribe to our free email bulletin service and get the latest news and information about consultations and events happening in the city - www.bristol.gov.uk/newsdirect