A jail is buttering up inmates to cut violence – with TOAST.
Governors have hailed a big reduction in attacks after toasters were placed on landings and lags were invited to take as many slices as they want.
The “homely” aroma of hot bread, plus a supply of free jam, has seen an 11% fall in fights and assaults at HMP Lincoln.
Bosses say the move has led to a “relaxed ambience” at the 150-year-old Category B nick, which can hold 650 lags.
It echoes the use of a “fresh baked bread” smell by supermarkets to give shoppers a cosy feeling – a trick also recommended to house vendors by estate agents. Scientists believe it may evoke warm memories of childhood.
The move at Lincoln was reported by prison watchdog the Independent Monitoring Board, which also praised its overall standards.
A source said: “The toast is a brilliant and cost-effective idea, even if there have been one or two stale jokes about using your loaf.”
