Volunteer Cadets from Northumbria Police have been awarded £250 to roll-out crime prevention in the region’s communities.
The money comes from The Key, which is an organisation who helps young people use their determination and drive to make a difference.
Cadets work closely with local communities and attend some of the region's major events including the Great North Run, county shows and the Sunderland Air Show. They also get a unique insight into the world of policing by working with the Police Dogs, Marine Unit and local Neighbourhood Teams.
It is in these roles that they identified crimes that could be prevented with some small crime prevention tools.
The Cadets then pitched their idea and bid for funding to the Key fund panel who granted them the money to purchase a variety of crime prevention items so that they can distribute them to vulnerable members of society.
The items purchased include:
- SIMM cards
- Bike locks
- Purse bells
- Dummy cameras
- Safety chains
- Padlocks
Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, lead for volunteers at Northumbria Police, praised the cadets for supporting officers and making a difference to the communities they serve.
She said: “The work the Cadets carry out on a weekly basis is invaluable and they are a fantastic asset to the Force. They help us protect the public, engage with communities and support us in policing important issues.
"Many thieves are opportunist and taking a few simple crime prevention measures can help stop them in their tracks. It doesn't always need to be something sophisticated, something as simple as locking away your bike or putting a small bell on your purse or wallet can make all the difference.”
Officers have also offered the following crime prevention advice:
- Don't leave valuables on display in vehicles
- Ensure gardens are note easily accessible, make sure gates and sheds are locked and secure, and that valuables such as bikes are not left unlocked in the garden
- Ensure vehicles are locked
- Don't leave high value tools in vans
- Ensure doors and windows to properties are locked and secure at all times
Anyone who does sees anyone acting suspiciously in their local community can report non-emergency information online at www.northumbria.police.uk or call 101.
In an emergency call 999.
