Issue 480 – Pubwatch and police hit the jackpot

A successful team effort among Pubwatch members and the local police recently saw the arrest of two men on suspicion of fraud.

During the Pubwatch meeting on Thursday 12th January it was discussed between publicans and police that there had been a spate of incidents, where unknown individuals had been visiting local pubs in the town, playing the fruit machines and dropping the jackpots immediately by unfair means. They would then leave the premises straight away. Police advised publicans to be vigilant and ring around if the suspects were seen, as well as contacting the police.
Just a couple of days later, on the Saturday, the landlady at the Ludlow Arms noticed two men had “dropped” the jackpot at the pub. A full description along with a car registration number was given to The Angel, who spotted the car outside their pub, and the police.
Derry O’Hara, landlady at The Angel explained, “They’d been in the hotel first, then the Ludlow, then Charlies. I had a phone call from Jackie at the Ludlow, who said there were two guys out, she gave a full description, and said their car was outside the Angel. In a few minutes the police arrived and took the men in on suspicion of fraud. It happened within minutes, the response time was absolutely fantastic and I think that needs to be noted.
“It’s a nice positive start for the new year.”