A NEW campaign was launched in West Devon this week, aimed at raising awareness of scams, rogue traders and bogus callers. It is hoped the campaign, run by South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership in conjunction with the police and Trading Standards Agency, will alert residents across the South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon area and help people avoid falling victim to these types of crimes. Following the highly acclaimed 'Trickster' which toured previously across the South West, the Solomon Theatre Company has developed a new show 'Scambuster'. West Devon was selected for the premier performance of the musical, having worked closely with Solomon Theatre for the last five years. St Paul's Church Hall in Yelverton was packed on Monday as more than 120 residents from across West Devon attended the Scambuster event. Staff from many organisations were also there giving advice and information. Based on true stories, Scambuster raises awareness in an entertaining way and gives people the confidence to deal with scams, rogue traders and bogus callers. The show tells the story of Mary who thinks that she has won the holiday of a lifetime but warns: If something seems 'too good to be true' then it probably is. The show featured songs from the 60s and was presented by professional actors Mark Hyde, Angela Gilder and actor musician Tim Laycock. West Devon resident Margaret Toseland, 84, said: 'I was nearly the victim of a postal scam, but I didn't fall for it, luckily. Today has been very entertaining — I feel more confident about standing up for myself now.' Angie Frost, crime prevention officer for West Devon Police, said: 'We need the public to be better informed and not afraid to say "no". 'We know from our Trading Standards colleagues that millions of pounds are being gained from such scams all over the country. 'We want to encourage people to report these crimes — these tricksters are clever but together we can beat them!' Debby Henderson, community safety officer for the partnership, said: 'Scambuster makes us aware of how easy it is to be drawn into misleading prize draws, lotteries, premium-rate promotions, psychic mailings and miracle health cures. 'We want to prevent people falling victim to these crimes and the show helps to do that in a very positive way. The event is also very timely, as the crime prevention messages link in with the Trading Standards 'ScamWise' campaign which is being launched next month.' Colin Harris, chairman of West Devon Neighbourhood Watch, said: 'Neighbourhood Watch works closely with the police and Trading Standards to help stop people becoming victims of crime. Events like this help raise awareness in the community and get the safety messages across without making people worried.' Scambuster was supported by key organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch, Care and Repair, Devon Fire and Rescue Service, Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureau, energy advice agencies, West Devon Borough Council and many local groups working with older people and their carers. The day was funded by the Partnership, the Police, Neighbourhood Watch and Trading Standards, with several local businesses supporting the event by donating prizes. Anyone with information about scams, fraudulent traders or bogus callers should contact the police on 08452 777444. Free telephone advice is available on 08454 040596, a service provided by Consumer Direct in partnership with DCC Trading Standards.