Fairy tales and fables have been used for centuries to warn people of dangers because they are easily remembered, entertaining and become part of our cultural heritage. They can be a powerful tool to educate people about the dangers of fraud and how to protect themselves from it. For example, the story The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing warns us about the dangers of deception and the importance of being cautious. It tells the story of a wolf who dresses up as a sheep to get close to his prey.

Dorset Police hope that fairy tales can help people understand the dangers of fraud and how to protect themselves from it. They invite us all to share this competition and encourage folk to take part. Submissions should focus on one type of fraud from the Action Fraud website such as shopping fraud, phone fraud, romance fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, investment fraud, money muling or encompass a general message around fraud prevention.

Full terms and conditions are below, but stories should be:

• 1000 words maximum
• Focusing on one aspect of fraud
• Original pieces of work
• Emailed to fraudprotect@dorset.pnn.police.uk with the subject line “Fairy Tale Competition” and the age category
• Deadline: 11.59pm 31st March 2024

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Submissions can be in any storytelling medium including short stories, fairy tales, and fables.
• Submissions must portray an empowering message about protecting oneself from fraud and avoid fear-based messaging.
• Written story submissions have a maximum word count of 1,000 words.
• Submissions must be original work and not contain any copyrighted material.
• By entering the competition, you give the competition organisers full rights to publish and promote your submission across any media.
• The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm 31st March 2024. Late entries will not be accepted.
• A panel of judges will select the top submissions which will be announced 29th April 2024. The decision of the judges is final.
• You cannot be employed by or previously worked for Dorset Police or be related to or friends with anyone who worked for Dorset Police.

Prizes will be awarded to the top submissions in the following categories:

• Kids Category: Ages 5-12 years old
• Teen Category: Ages 13-17 years old
• Student Category: Ages 18-24 years old (college/university students)
• Adult Category: Ages 25-64 years old
• Senior Category: Ages 65+

NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING

• Kids Category: Ages 5-12 years old
• Teen Category: Ages 13-17 years old
• Student Category: Ages 18-24 years old (college/university students)
• Adult Category: Ages 25-64 years old
• Senior Category: Ages 65+

My Safer Bournemouth has agreed that Dorset Police can use their website to host the competition as well as a vehicle for people to vote on their favourite submissions.