SIDMOUTH residents are being urged to attend a play advising people on how to tackle the problem of scams, distraction burglaries and bogus callers. Solomon Touring Theatre has been hired by the East and Mid Devon Community Safety Partnership in a bid to

SIDMOUTH residents are being urged to attend a play advising people on how to tackle the problem of scams, distraction burglaries and bogus callers.

Solomon Touring Theatre has been hired by the East and Mid Devon Community Safety Partnership in a bid to prevent this type of crime.

Based on true stories, a cast of three professional actors will present the musical

production.

Gerry Moore, Community Safety Officer, said: "Quite often victims of such scams and bogus callers are elderly people. The Scambuster event that the theatre company is putting on will come across in such a way as not to frighten people but deliver a very serious message they will remember."

Further help and advice will also be available from the police, South West Water and Devon Trading Standards.

Other agencies taking part are East Devon District Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon Care and Repair, Home Safeguard the Lions Club and in Ottery St Mary the Later Life Forum.

The play will be held on Friday, March 13 at the Manor Pavilion Theatre from 9.45am until midday and later at the Institute, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary between 2.15pm and 4.30pm.

Admission is free and free light refreshments will also be provided.

In addition to this, the Office of Fair Trading has published new advice for businesses to help them avoid becoming victims of scams

The advice, on the OFT's website, explains how the most common scams work, and offers tips to companies and their staff on how to protect their business from losing money to the scammers.

To view the OFT advice to business go to www.oft.gov.uk/businessscams.