Bingo crime doesn’t pay!

Regular readers to this blog may remember that at the end of March we reported how a crafty crook in a Mecca Bingo hall in Southport claimed a £500 full house prize that wasn’t hers! After the call had been made the woman said she was collecting the prize on behalf of her friend, and unfortunately the staff didn’t follow their usual procedures so the thief got away with her deception. The fraud was only discovered when the genuine winner went to claim the jackpot – by this time though the fraudster had disappeared and the hall were forced to pay out again.

As we reported the story police were carrying out their enquiries, examining CCTV footage and conducting interviews – although no firm leads had been reported.

However, we are pleased to report that the crook has been caught and successfully prosecuted. The woman, 27 year old Clair Borrill of Victoria Street, Southport, pleaded guilty of fraud at an earlier hearing. On appearing in front of magistrates this week the cheeky crook was sentenced to pay back the money as well as compensation. Altogether the crime has cost her £700 in the form of compensation, fines, court charges and fees.

Crime in general is rising, mostly due to the economic problems many people are facing, but we are glad to be able to report a happy conclusion to this story, and hope that people only go to the bingo to play, and not to steal.

Brought to you by london bingo news

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5. Casino thief sentenced to 17 years