TV ‘Scambuster’ helps residents beat doorstep crime

Householders in the New Forest are being urged to make a song and dance to prevent themselves becoming victims of doorstep crime.

‘Scambuster’, a touring musical, was featured on BBC1’s Doorstep Crime 999 programme this week.

Popular TV presenter Gloria Hunniford joined

The Soloman Theatre Company as they lifted the curtain on the entertaining show that delivers a crime prevention message about cold callers and doorstep scams.

Based on true stories, the musical features Sydney, the victim of a rogue Tarmac tradesman, and Mary, who thinks she’s won the holiday of a lifetime.

If you have access to BBC iPlayer, you can view ‘Scambuster’ until Tuesday February 28, 11.29am, by following this link – http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b01cnzl3/?t=16m33s

If you are a young person and know someone without a computer who might benefit from watching the musical, perhaps an elderly relative, why not show them on your laptop?

The Safer New Forest Partnership has been at the forefront of the local drive to beat doorstep scams and welcomes the novel approach to put householders on their guard if they receive home visits from door-to-door salespeople.

Residents are advised to ask for ID from sellers at the door and not to let them inside their home. If the callers are persistent or won’t depart when asked, residents are advised to call the police by dialling 101 (or 999 in an emergency).

Alternatively, contact Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards Quick Response Team on 01962 833666 if the callers are still in the area or are due to return.

Police are also urging people to be vigilant to distraction burglaries, when a caller to the front door keeps the occupier talking while an accomplice carries out a theft inside the home.

Cllr Jill Cleary, NFDC portfolio holder for Housing and Communities, said:

“The Scambuster musical is a great way of raising awareness about doorstep conmen. These crimes are very distressing for anybody who has fallen victim to them. Please be wary of all cold callers, either over the telephone or on the doorstep. If in doubt, don’t answer the door, or just say ‘no’ and call the police.”

A free ‘no cold calling’ sticker is available for residents to display in their front window, contact Community Safety co-ordinator Stephanie Bennett on 023 8028 5588, email stephanie.bennett@nfdc.gov.uk