Lincolnshire Police have told residents of the region to play more fruit machines this summer, as a way of reducing the risk of becoming a victim of car crime.

It might seem like an unlikely suggestion, but the police force explains that by taking loose change with you to play fruit machines or buy an ice cream, you ensure it is not left on show in your vehicle.

As such, any passing opportunistic thieves will not be tempted to smash a window and grab the few pounds in loose change that might be visible otherwise.

The police force said: “Don’t leave any valuables on show, even a few coins could tempt a thief – take any change with you for slot machines or ice creams.”

It’s part of a press release that urges people to enjoy the summer sunshine and any days out, but to do so cautiously in order to avoid becoming a victim.

But it’s great to see pub fruit machines get a mention alongside ice creams as two ways to have fun this summer, at a cost of just a handful of loose change, and fight crime at the same time.