Mansfield schools help to fight crime

Getting Mansfield schools on board with the crime fighting agenda

Special notice boards brimming with crime-fighting messages are due to be unveiled in schools across Mansfield at the end of May. Mansfield Partnership Against Crime (MPAC) has provided funding for seven large notice boards (1.8m by 1.2m) - one for each local secondary school.

Information from the police, Crimestoppers, Nottinghamshire's Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) and Trading Standards will be displayed on each board under the title: ‘Your Space….on crime'. Strategically positioned in places such as dinner halls it is hoped as many pupils as possible will get to read and absorb what goes up on the boards. Police will have space to publicise outstanding incidents that either happen on site at schools or within the local communities where pupils live. Crimestoppers will support these police appeals by publicising the anonymous phone number 0800 555 111. There will be tangible incentives on offer for ringing in with information and positive case results to encourage more young people to call.

There will also be a regular flow of crime reduction messages themed to coincide with topical or seasonal issues such as anti-social behaviour over Halloween or under age drinking during the summer holidays. The brainchild of Local Area Commander for Mansfield South, Inspector Dave Shardlow explained the thinking behind the boards: “Based in schools, Youth Issues Officers have the same need to update their public on issues, appeals, campaigns and achievements as beat officers policing neighbourhoods. “Following close consultation with schools, notice boards were identified as another excellent way of communicating directly with young people on their own turf.”

Sarah Smithurst, said: “Contacting Crimestoppers is an anonymous way to pass on information about crime. It is a really useful service for young people who want to do the right thing and help us, but feel intimidated contacting the police directly.”

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Partnerships at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "It is important that we educate young people about issues such as underage drinking, which can often be at the route of anti social behaviour. This campaign is a great partnership approach and we believe it could make a real difference."

Andy Wragg, DAAT's Community and Partnerships Manager, said: "This new initiative adds value to a broad range of communication techniques we use everyday to communicate to and with young people such as text alerts, school internet message boards etc".

The schools involved are: Meden Comprehensive, Manor Comprehensive, Garibaldi School, Brunts School, Sherwood Hall School, Queen Elizabeth School and All Saints School.