As PACT or partners and community together meetings fail to attract members of the community, Police are looking at new ways which will include using bingo clubs to engage with members of the public. The PACT initiative to encourage an exchange of information is proving largely unsuccessful as often only a handful of people turn up for the events.

Partners and Communities Together is a regular session where police, councillors, representatives from organisations such as housing associations and residents can discuss issues affecting their area.

Sergeant Dan Worthington, of the Sittingbourne neighbourhood police team, told the Local Engagement Forum last week: "Only a very limited amount of people now attend PACT meetings, often only four, five or six people."

The officer told the meeting that police intended to work with schools, social clubs, bingo halls and other groups in order to target as wide a cross section of the community as possible.

Sgt Worthington added: "I think that's a really good example of how we are looking to engage with people across the community."

Following concerns being raised by Labour's Councillor Tony Winckless, of Milton Regis ward, Sgt Worthington assured him PACT meetings would continue as normal, the other meetings would be in addition.