Information on Loughborough

Police launch teenage 'Young Detective' scheme

Posted on 06/06/2008

The police in Loughborough have designed an eye catching resource pack aimed at teaching teenagers about the consequences of underage drinking, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

The pack, called ‘Think First,' has been put together with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and the Primary Care Trust and will used across the force area.  It aims to raise awareness among young people about the cause, cost and consequence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage such as graffiti.

The pack is accompanied by an animated DVD which features a group of young people and asks students to consider a wide range of questions such as; ‘What is criminal damage? How does it affect residents in the community? What is graffiti?  Is it art or a mess in your community? What are the consequences for your future if you are caught? How does alcohol affect behaviour?

The DVD will be used as part of a presentation which will be given to pupils in special assemblies by representatives from the police and the health service.

Ivan Kearney, the Community Initiatives Co-Coordinator for the police in Loughborough, said; "The pack is based on our ‘Young Detectives' scheme but has been redesigned to appeal to an older audience of young people between the ages of 11 and 16.  It asks them to think about who are the most vulnerable people in society, why their behaviour might be intimidating to some people, why graffiti makes communities feel run down, who pays for the repairs and so on.  The DVD prompts a lot of discussion and gives young people a chance to air their views too.  It ends by talking about the consequence of getting caught and possibly getting criminal record. 

"Ultimately, it encourages young people to have respect and show responsibility for their own community."

The young people will also be asked to think about alcohol and the affect that has on their behaviour.

Meeta Madhani, a Health Improvement Specialist with the Leicestershire County and Rutland PCT said; "Leicestershire County and Rutland PCT have been working closely with Leicestershire Constabulary on this project and are delighted to be part of the project and the launch. The key partners have been working closely together to improve community safety for the people of Charnwood, and this DVD is an excellent example of how we can promote key messages in a way that teenagers can identify with. We hope we can work with the police again on more initiatives that will help to promote the health and wellbeing of local people living in Charnwood."

The pack includes a plastic credit card which can be kept in a wallet reminding young people about the scheme and some teenagers will be presented with a black draw string bag encouraging them to report anti-social behaviour, graffiti and criminal damage.

Issued on 06/06/08 at 09:00