Police are hoping a theatrical performance about a man who was targeted by a distraction burglar could help to stop people falling victim to doorstep cons in real life.
Northamptonshire Police is inviting residents across the county to a free musical, called Trickster - The Bogus Caller Musical, next week.
The show, by the Solomon Touring Theatre, is based on a true story about a man who falls victim to a distraction burglar and will also give out advice from the force’s crime prevention manager as well as trading standards.
Burglary reduction lead for the force, Detective Inspector Nick Lyall, said: “The most common form is one person distracting the householder by pretending to be from the ‘water board’ or from a gas or electricity provider, while another person enters their property and searches for cash or other valuables.
“We know that this is an under-reported crime. Victims often feel embarrassed and intimidated and are scared of losing their independence.”
Crime prevention manager, Laura Jones, said: “This type of crime can have a profoundly negative effect on victims’ lives and we tend to see an increase in distraction burglaries at this time of the year.
“The event will offer a fun morning for members of the community to enjoy, while covering a serious topic.
“Those who come along will leave with a greater awareness about how to avoid becoming a victim of a distraction burglary.”
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 24, between 10am and 12pm, in the Great Hall at the Guildhall, Northampton.