Police in Exeter are looking for a man in relation to an alleged burglary at a local bingo club in which thousands of pounds were taken. Police are investigating how a gang had both the keys and alarm codes to the club.

Police detectives have released a picture in an attempt to trace Darren Gibbons, who they suggest may be able to assist in the investigation. During the incident it is claimed that masked raiders took thousands of pounds from the Mecca Bingo club in North Street.

The Police have asked for the public’s assistance and have appealed for witnesses or anyone who might have information about the incident to get in touch. Having reviewed the CCTV, Detectives have confirmed that there are images of three offenders, whose faces were hidden by balaclavas and hoods.

The gang are suspected of using keys to gain entry into the building during the early hours of Monday 23rd August and deactivating the security alarm on the premises. While most bingo clubs are linked to a monitoring company like ADT and opening the club ‘out of hours’ would result in a call to either the General Manager of the site or to the Police, it would appear that the Mecca Bingo club had not taken such precautions as the gang were able to spend an hour smashing the locks on 32 gaming machines before leaving the premises with around £4,500 in cash.

Police have already arrested four people in connection with the alleged burglary, all who have been released on police bail until Wednesday 10th November.

The manager at the Mecca Bingo club in Exeter, Alan Forshaw, confirmed that the club had been assisting the police with their enquiries and the club was closed for a brief period of time after the incident. Detective Constable Emily Sheppard has appealed for anyone with any information that may assist the police in locating Mr Gibbons' to contact the police as soon as possible quoting crime reference number DE/10/8711.

"Four people have so far been arrested in connection with this crime," she added. "They are on police bail until November 10.

"We are still keen to speak with a man by the name of Darren Gibbons, who may be able to assist police with inquiries.

"Information is sought from the public as to the whereabouts of this man. Anybody who can help, should contact police."

Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.