SUFFOLK police today revealed they have come up with a novel weapon in their armoury to deter bogus callers.With the help of a team of actors, officers are putting their serious message across by making a song and dance about the subject.

SUFFOLK police today revealed the latest weapon in their armoury to tackle a tricky subject.

With the help of a team of actors, officers are putting a serious message across by making a song and dance about bogus callers.

Professional stage performers are to tour the county in March with their musical interpretation of distraction burglaries in a bid to highlight the dangers of being duped.

Trickster - The Musical will be performed in community centres, schools and churches across Suffolk and is particularly aimed at elderly people, who are often the victims of such crime.

The musicals have been organised in conjunction with the Safe and Sound Group - a multi-agency partnership of professionals and volunteers who aim to help people feel safe and confident in their homes.

David Dyble, police community safety officer and chairman of Safe and Sound said: “People sometimes remember things better if they can link it to an enjoyable experience.

“The play performed will involve a scenario that older people can identify with and will ultimately show them how to deal with a bogus caller. The play will be followed by a sing-along of songs from the war years.

“We hope people will book tickets, either as groups or individuals and come along for an entertaining outing.

“If it prevents one person becoming a victim of bogus callers then it has been worthwhile.”

The play features the story of George, his wife Mary and his wartime friend Sidney.

George remembers the war years and his hopes and dreams and tells his friend how his self respect and pride have been destroyed by a bogus gas official who stole his life savings.

He contacts police for advice on distraction burglary and, when preyed upon again, rejects the attempts to con him and calls the police.

The story was written by Andy Saunders MBE and was first performed in Dorset .

It will be performed at the Methodist church, Museum Street, Ipswich, at 10am on Monday, March 6.

The following day a performance will take place at the Regal Theatre in Stowmarket at 2.30pm.

Further shows will take place on Wednesday, March 8 at 10am at Kesgrave Community Centre and at 2.30pm at Felixstowe Leisure Centre.

Tickets to all performances are free and include light refreshments.

To book a place at any of the shows call the ticket hotline on 01473 265272.

N Has your life, or the life of someone you love, been blighted by a bogus caller? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

WEBLINK: www.trickster-musical.co.uk