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Operation Stay Safe launched in Leicester

Posted on 22/06/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Operation Stay Safe launched in Leicester

An operation which aims to tackle anti-social behaviour by identifying and offering support to vulnerable young people found on the streets at night has been run in Leicester for the first time.

Police joined forces with Leicester City Council to run ‘Operation Stay Safe’ in the Fosse neighbourhood on Friday night (June 19). 

The initiative, which has been successfully run in other parts of the country, involves police and youth workers patrolling ‘hot spot’ locations for anti-social behaviour to engage with young people and identify those at risk of either becoming victims of crime or being involved in anti-social behaviour, often as a result of excess alcohol. They are then either taken to an identified safe place, where support from local agencies is available to them, or returned to their parents or carers. 

On Friday night police spoke with seven young people and carried out checks to ensure their safety. One of those was considered to be at risk and was taken to an identified ‘safe place’ where he was offered support by local agencies. He was then returned home to his carer. 

Chief Inspector Andy Sharp from Leicestershire Constabulary said: “Operation Stay Safe provides a reassuring police presence on the streets and allows police and support services to intervene early to protect young people who are at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity or becoming victims of crime themselves. It can help to identify reasons for the young person being on the street late at night and intervene where necessary to protect those that are vulnerable.

“We know that anti-social behaviour is a key concern for many local residents, and I hope this reassures them that the police and our partners in the city are committing to reducing it. However, parents also have a responsibility to know where their children are and what they are getting up to.

“This was the first of several initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour in Leicester over the summer months.”

David Thrussell, Head of the Youth Offending Service, said: “Operation Stay Safe has demonstrated that it is an effective way of protecting vulnerable young people, whilst responding to local concerns about anti-social behaviour and reminding parents of their responsibilities.

“Operation Stay Safe in the Fosse neighbourhood this weekend has involved the police and council partners engaging with seven young people to provide alternative choices to staying out on the streets late at night.

“The operation will not be a one off event and is intended to be part of an ongoing and co-ordinated response by the police and partners to demonstrate that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Working together with local communities we intend to ensure that the minority of the young people involved in youth crime are challenged and supported in to more positive activity.”

Councillor Mohammed Dawood said: “It is important to remember that most young people are law abiding and are more likely to be victims of crime and anti-social behaviour. Operation Stay Safe sends out a strong message to all young people, parents and local communities, that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and that there are more positive activities available to support young people to stat out of trouble.

“Working together with local communities we aim to ensure that all young people are safe and supported to make positive choices.”

Councillor Manish Sood said: "I welcome the opportunity Operation Stay Safe provides to work more closely with the local community and bridge the gap to find joint solutions to challenge young people involved in anti-social behaviour."

Operation Stay Safe is one of seven new initiatives in the city being delivered under the Youth Crime Action Plan, funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).