PROFESSIONAL actors have been enlisted to help make elderly people more vigilant against conmen.

Next Wednesday profes-sional theatre group, Solomon Associates, are coming to Swindon to give two performances of their short musical play, Trickster.

It aims to raise awareness about the problem of distraction burglary, in which thieves trick their way into houses by pretending to be someone they are not.

And it is designed to give older people the confidence to take control when dealing with a caller at the door.

Age Concern Swindon, which is promoting the performances, says dis-traction burglaries seem to be a common problem in the town.

"It's sad but we keep reading about people who have been taken in by conmen at the door," said charity director Jo Osorio.

"We want to try to reinforce the message to take care and this is one way of doing it."

Next Wednesday Trickster will be performed at 10.30am at George Tweed

Gardens in Pilgrim Close at Shaw Village Centre, and at 1.30pm at the Fessey Day Centre in Brookdene, Haydon Wick, where residents from nearby James Wilkes House have been invited too.

Both performances will be open to everyone, and admission will be free.

The project is supported by funding from the Home Office and by Swindon Crime and Disorder Team.