Bingo Games Used to Raise Issue Of Security

Bingo fans have been given security advice

The police are using bingo games to raise the issue of burglary among elderly people in Abingdon.

According to reports in the Oxford Mail, a new project has been set up under which bingo fans are taking part in the game while also being issued advice on how to make themselves less vulnerable to criminals.

So far, three sessions have been run at Abingdon's Abbey Centre.

Commenting on the scheme, Police Community Support Officer Chris Linzey - who was responsible for setting up the initiative - said: "Many pensioners are from a very trusting generation, but they have every right to challenge anybody that comes to their door."

He added that bingo is a way of persuading as many people as possible to get involved in the advice sessions.

Mr Linzey is looking to roll out the scheme across the district in order to target as many bingo fans as possible.

Another initiative which saw bingo halls used for purposes other than just playing the game was one run by the Mecca group.

It launched the Mecca Wheel Difference campaign under which bingo fans dropped off their old shoes at halls around the country, with the proceeds going towards purchasing young people's mobility equipment.

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