Community Crew cuts anti-social behaviour by more than a third
When a group of young people complained there was nothing to do
in their neighbourhood, two PCSOs decided to do something about
it.
Now, thanks to the
launch of Community Crews in the Highwoods and Mile End areas of
Colchester, anti-social behaviour has dropped dramatically.
Since the clubs for seven to 12-year-olds was launched in May
2007, incidents of anti-social behaviour reported to police have
dropped by 37 per cent.
Eighty young people are now part of the clubs which aim to teach
young people, including those who may have been excluded from
mainstream schools, to take pride in their surroundings by taking
part in projects which will benefit the community.
The youngsters meet with PCSOs Angharad Phillips and Julie
Miller for two hours every other week to take part in activities
like working on gardens at the local community hall, picking up
litter in the park and cleaning up graffiti.
They are then rewarded for their hard work with picnics, trips
to the theatre, Easter egg hunts and fun-packed summer breaks once
a year.
Community Crew was first launched in the Highwoods area but
proved so popular that it was extended to Mile End. There are now
currently around 50 members from Highwoods and another 30 from Mile
End.
PCSO
Angharad Phillips first came up with idea for a club for young
people. She said: “When I started as a PCSO young people aged
between seven and 12 told us there was nothing to do because they
weren’t old enough to join the local youth club.
“There was a problem with anti-social behaviour and a general
disregard for the area. I wanted to do something about the
anti-social behaviour but at the same time encourage young people
to be proud of where they live.
“That was the aim when Community Crew first started but it’s
proven to be a way of improving the self-esteem of the young people
and the police’s relationship with them. We now have a good
relationship with the young people in the area.”
Thirty young people from Highwoods and Mile End Community Crews
are now looking forward to a three-day trip to Grangewaters Outdoor
Education Centre in South Ockendon between August 8 and 10 this
summer.
The lucky youngsters will have the chance to try archery,
sailing, raft building and much more during the trip which is the
third of its kind.
There is no charge for joining either of the crews. Anyone
interested in becoming a member of Highwoods Community Crew should
contact PCSO Philips on 0300 333 4444 or angharad.phillips@essex.pnn.police.uk
Anyone who would like to become a member of the Mile End crew
should get in touch with PCSO Julie Miller on the same number or by
email at julie.miller@essex.pnn.police.uk