POLICE swapped the beat for the boards when they stepped on stage to teach hundreds of elderly and vulnerable people how to spot doorstep conmen.

They performed a play at Thame Leisure Centre to spell out how distraction burglars can trick their way into homes.

During the musical production a distraction burglar took cash from an elderly man, and the audience were given advice on how to stay safe.

Insp Martin Ford, of Thame neighbourhood policing team, said: “We often go into schools and youth groups and try to get our messages across using plays and drama.

“Although this musical represented an unusual way of addressing the problem of distraction burglary, with this particular group we felt a different approach might prove useful in helping them remember our message.”

Members of the audience were given emergency numbers and information on what to do if they are a victim of crime.