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Events were held as part of the Scamwise Project run by the
Partnership, were paid for with funding set aside from recovered
criminal assets through the Community Cashback Scheme 09/10.
Over 600 residents enjoyed performances held at Somerset, South
Petherton, Yeovil, Wincanton, Crewkerne and Chard with feedback
showing that the vast majority felt better informed on how to avoid
becoming a victim at the end of the show.
Comments ranged from "Very refreshing to have the message in an
act rather than being talked at. Well done to the team" to "I
thoroughly enjoyed it, it is wonderful what you are doing to help
us people."
Each event was led by the local Safer, Stronger Neighbourhood
Team and audiences were able to meet Trading Standards, The Bobby
Van, Neighbourhood Watch, Home Aid Partnership, Somerset Direct,
Careline, Digital Switchover, Yarlington Housing Group, South West
Illegal Money Lending Team, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue
Service, 50+ and Pensioners Forums.
The Community Cashback funding was the result of a successful
application by the Partnership and resulted in more funding coming
to South Somerset and Mendip than anywhere else in the country.
Cllr Tony Fife, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety At South
Somerset District Council said, "We are fortunate to have a low
crime rate in South Somerset but scams do occur in our area. We
need to be educating people as prevention is better than cure.
These events have made people more aware of how to avoid becoming a
victim but in an entertaining way."
Sergeant Andy Lloyd of Avon and Somerset Constabulary
added, "I am really pleased we have been able to run these
events across the whole of South Somerset. I am determined to make
our communities as safe as possible and providing crime reduction
opportunities like this is very important to me. I am convinced
that what all the partners from the community safety partnership
have delivered this week will significantly increase public
confidence and heighten the community's awareness of SCAM
offences."
Jacqui Churchill and Denise Dunford of the Partnership at South
Somerset District Council, who helped organise the events said, "We
are pleased that the message could be delivered in such an
entertaining way without raising the fear of crime. I'd like to
thank Yarlington Houseing Group for handling the bookings, Devon
and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for providing transport for
those in need, WI groups for refreshments and a huge thanks to the
many businesses, large and small, throughout the area that gave
raffle prizes. Many thanks to our police and agency colleagues who
helped make it an enjoyable experience for all those that
attended."
St Margaret's Hospice also benefited from the events when prizes
were kindly donated by local businesses throughout the area to
police officers for the raffle. At the last event a cheque for £610
was presented to Geoff Lucas a volunteer from St Margaret's by Sgt
Andy Lloyd.
For a free Scamwise booklet and door sticker please contact your
local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 456 7000
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