Pens offer crime protection advice

Bingo goers are being encouraged to keep a full house of valuables by locking their windows and doors.

The daubers which are used to mark numbers during the game include the crime prevention message lock it or lose it. They were issued for free at Mecca Bingo in Rochdale.

Police Community Support Officer Alan Hall, for Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The daubers were purchased by the Neighbourhood Policing Team and crime reduction advisors as another method to spread safety and crime prevention messages to a wider audience and were presented with a leaflet with safety tips.

“A third of all burglaries are due to insecure 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.”

You can also contact the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team directly about any issues related to crime or anti-social behaviour on 0161 856 9961 or email rochdalenorthpartnership@gmp.police.uk

To report a crime contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.