Prison violence is toast...thanks to the calming smell of warm bread.
Governors were stunned when behaviour improved after lags were given toasters and loaves.
The move by HMP Lincoln could be copied at other jails.
A source said “The smell of toast has worked wonders for morale. They are free to stick a couple of rounds in their nearest toaster and they are all at it.
“The prison smells like Premier Inn at breakfast time but it’s made things much better.”
Details emerged in a report by jail watchdog the Independent Monitoring Board. It said: “The availability of toasters and unlimited bread and porridge packs on the wings appears to be much appreciated and the smell of toast contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere.
“Violence and self-harm in the prison has reduced significantly.”
Nutritional therapist Samantha Smith said: “We all know that smell of toast – it puts a smile on your face. It is evocative of childhood and the comforts of home and will remind inmates of happier times.”
Prisons have tried many other ways to improve behaviour – including origami, bringing in Labrador puppies, model trains and flowers, and even caring for birds of prey.
