Pupils from Knightswood High recently welcomed some of the area’s elderly community into the school to watch a play about bogus callers.

The show highlighted the fact that everyone has a duty to look out for friends, family and neighbours.

Many of the third year students behind the play know someone who has been targeted at some point and have been keen to stress that both young and old people can fall victim to doorstep crime.

The spirited pupils also insisted nobody should ever feel too embarrassed to report incidents to police.

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland (pictured), Area Commander for Glasgow North West, who watched the play along with campus officer Colette Farren, residents, representatives from trading standards and neighbourhood watch, praised the kids’ efforts.

He told the Post: “It was great to see the young people really involved, and understanding the issues around bogus callers.

“It was interesting to see them and the older people from their community here together today. The young people really understand that it’s vital to look out for their neighbours, their family, and the more vulnerable people in society. The message is clear — know who’s at your door and check for identification. If you ever have any suspicions at all, contact police on 101. Do not let cold callers into your house.” Drama teacher Roseanne Lee, who helped the pupils create and perform the play, said many of the youngsters involved had been keen to get an important message across in after seeing first hand the effects this type of crime has on people.

She added: “As part of their course, the third year pupils had to create and perform a community performance for a specific target audience. They thought it would be worthwhile to choose elderly people and the topic of bogus callers as many of them have had first hand experience of the issue — they know a neighbour or a family member who has been affected.

“For the elderly people who came along and watched the play today, I hope we managed to convey that it can happen to anyone.

“You might think that you’re being vigilant but it can happen so easily. Nobody likes to think badly of people but if you’re in doubt, keep them out is the message of the play.” Following the performance, elderly residents were also afforded the chance to chat with police officers and representatives from partner agencies to get information on how to stay safe from bogus callers.