Bingo players were given advice during a bingo session to prevent them from being an easy target for criminals. Police officers from Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team attended the Syke Community Base at Fieldhouse Road in Rochdale along with crime reduction advisors and the council’s community safety team.

Bingo goers were encouraged to lock their windows and doors. The main focus was around crime prevention and how to identify a bogus caller. Around 70 people were at the event which included role plays to help get the message through.

Chair of north area partnership, Sheila Acton added: “It was a fantastic afternoon, everyone got so much from it because of the way the messages were delivered. I think it is great 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.”

PC Ibbotson commented: “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 service promise we are encouraging people to talk to the police directly about the areas affecting their communities the most and our sessions here are an important way of reaching out to communities who can’t always come to see us at surgeries or the station.”

PC Rhys Ibbotson from the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “It was great to be able to show everyone how to protect themselves from bogus callers in such an interactive and fun way. The role plays were a great way of helping everyone identify the scenario with their real lives.”

Gwilym Davies, Crime and Disorder Officer at Rochdale Borough Council said: “The majority of burglaries can be prevented by taking a few extra vigilant security measures. The role plays and games provided residents with the opportunity to learn from other people’s mistakes, recognise what things are appealing to a burglar and how they can take active steps to prevent their properties and possessions from being stolen. It’s a fun exercise with a serious message and could prove vital in assisting our ongoing mission to make life hard for burglars.”