Pens offer crime-prevention advice to bingo-goers

GreaterManchester Police (GMP) has been sharing crime-prevention advice with bingo-goers in Rochdale.

Special daubers used to mark numbers during the game were distributed at Mecca Bingo in the area. The daubers, purchased by the local neighbourhood police team, had the GMP logo on them and were handed out with a leaflet containing various safety tips.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Alan Hall said: “A third of all burglaries are due to unsecure properties, which is why it is important for us to remind everyone to keep their homes secure. As part of our commitment to the Policing Pledge, we are encouraging people to talk to the police directly about the areas affecting their communities the most, and our sessions here at the bingo are an important way of reaching out to communities who can’t always come to see us at surgeries or the station.”

Gary Taylor, general manager for Mecca Bingo, Rochdale, said: “I think it is fantastic that we can work with police and the community on such a local level. It is not the first time we have worked with them and I am sure this is something which is likely to continue into the future.

“I have been pleasantly surprised by how the customers have received these and I think it is a real example of how the community want to see their local bobbies.”