Bingo Helps To Fight Crime In Somerset

Police are using bingo for a new crime-fighting initiative in Weston-super-Mare

Police community support offers in Weston-super-Mare are using bingo to cut crime in the area.

According to Avon and Somerset Police, PCSOs in the town's South Ward policing team have devised a special bingo game that highlights some of the crime issues facing elderly residents.

The game has been played in sheltered accommodation around Weston-super-Mare and features a customised bingo card to raise awareness of common dangers.

"Each player has a sheet set out like a bingo card, but with words instead of numbers," explained PCSO Kylie Stevens.

"We then ask questions such as 'What should you always ask for before inviting someone into your home?' and they have to check-off the boxes with the correct answers - in this case 'ID'," she added.

Ms Stevens said that the crime reduction bingo games have become a "real social event" for many local people.

In another twist on the established numbers game format, disco organisers Bring & Share are currently running a Musical Bingo night at the Royal National Theatre in London.