Trickster helps older people beat bogus callers
Monday March 8, 2010
Over 200 Gloucester residents attended two performances of the musical Trickster performed by the Solomon Theatre Company, which tells the story of George, once a proud soldier, as he battles against conmen and beats the bogus caller.
Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership in conjunction with Age Concern Gloucestershire were delighted to host the event at Gloucester Rugby Stadium, Kingsholm on Monday March 1.
The play, designed to empower older people to refuse strangers entry into their homes, was presented in a fun and positive way with an old tyme musical style sing-a-long afterwards.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Atkinson, from the Forest and Gloucester policing division, said: "We are keen to inform our older residents of all the crime prevention, home security and safety measures that are available.
"This event was an excellent way of passing an important message to our older residents, not to open the door to unexpected visitors or allow them into their homes and not to keep large quantities of cash in their home, while still having an enjoyable time at a relaxed and friendly event."
Quedgeley residents Michael Law and Connie said: "We enjoyed our afternoon at Kingsholm Stadium, so much genuine fun was had by us all.
"Although the subject of safety in the home is a serious one, the manner in which it was told, was far more telling and acceptable to the mainly older audience, because of the humorous and well presented musical ways used in Trickster.
"It was a happy event with useful and informative stands and helpful experts in attendance."
Councillor Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for community safety at Gloucester City Council, said: "Distraction burglary is a mean and nasty crime and we will endeavour to work in partnership to help our older residents prevent bogus callers getting entry into their homes.
"It was good that so many residents were able to take advantage of this free and fun event that could have a lasting impact on their safety."
Andy Saunders wrote the script and lyrics for the show which was performed by three professional actors. The event was organised by the Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Age Concern Gloucestershire who had representatives at the event to offer advice and answer questions.
Also at the event were the Gloucester Crime Prevention Panel with a display of low cost security measures, Gloucestershire Trading Standards with advice on dealing with doorstep salesmen, the Government Office for the South West Regional enforcement Team giving advice on recognising fraudulant loan offers and scams and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service with advice on fire safety in the home.
