A Staffordshire Police force-wide summer anti-social behaviour campaign is underway in the county promoting the importance of all generations showing consideration and tolerance to each other.
‘Respect: It’s a two way street’, is asking people to think about how their actions affect others. Anti-social behaviour can be caused by people of all ages and from different backgrounds, it’s not confined to young people.
Superintendent Ian Coxhead, force lead on ASB, said: “Anti-social behaviour can mean different things to different people, but basically it is any kind of repeated behaviour that affects your quality of life. We never underestimate the impact ASB can have on an individual or community and we’re committed to continually working with our partners and giving the best service possible to our communities.”
As part of the campaign Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and officers will engage with young people, asking them their concerns and explaining how rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour can badly affect others, particularly the elderly.
Supt Coxhead continued: “Some people raise concerns that they feel intimidated if they see a group of young people congregating in an area but they may not be doing anything anti-socially, just meeting up with friends.
“Those whose behaviour is anti-social will be dealt with accordingly. Officers and PCSOs will also continue to patrol hotspot areas engaging with young people and dealing with any problems.”
The campaign will also highlight advice to help young people keep safe.
Some of the hot tips include:
Being near water on a hot sunny day can be tempting for some to take a quick dip to cool off, but there are many dangers of swimming in rivers, canals or ponds particularly in remote areas or quarries. https://alittlebitofstone.com/2016/07/26/fire-service-issue-water-safety-warning/
Wearing a helmet when riding a bike and not using a mobile phone crossing the road will cut the risk of a being involved in a crash and injured. https://alittlebitofstone.com/2016/07/12/new-campaign-gives-tips-cyclists-drivers/
“We would ask parents to discuss these issues with their children to keep them safe. Help young people to join in positive activities where they can have fun, meet new friends and keep away from committing crime or anti-social behaviour. It will also give you peace of mind knowing they are safe,” added Supt Coxhead.
SPACE 2016 has been launched by Matthew Ellis, Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire to increase young people’s skills, improve their health and wellbeing and create opportunities for young people to take part in positive activities to help make communities safer.
During the summer holidays there is a range of activities, many of them free, taking place for 11 to 17-year-olds as part of SPACE 2016. For a calendar of events visit www.staffordshirespace.uk, and follow @StaffsSpace on Twitter. SPACE 2016 runs until 2nd September.
There are plenty of schemes that young people can also get involved with to have fun, learn new skills and develop social and team building skills. For example:
Police Cadets
Armed Forces Cadets
Duke of Edinburgh schemes
National Citizen Services: The Change Programme
and other well-known clubs such as Scouts, Girl Guides.
