Youngsters beat crime with genius design
Young crimebusters from Sydenham have come up with a new initiative to prevent young people from falling victim to mobile phone theft.
The “Change your mindset – hide your handset” initiative was devised by a group of young people from the Sydni Centre POD who wanted to address mobile phone safety.
Thanks to a £800 Crimebeat award, the young people designed their own lanyards, which are special safety cords to keep mobile phones and iPods hidden securely under clothing. More than 500 lanyards have been made and the young people will be distributing them to schools in the local area.
The Crimebeat initiative, which is funded by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire and supported by the private sector, is managed by Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People scheme. Crimebeat aims to reduce crime, the fear of crime and create safer communities.
Sonia Brench, sessional worker for Positive about Young People, said: “The young people have really impressed us with this project. They particularly wanted to tackle the issue of mobile phone safety and their project is helping raise awareness and prevent mobile phone theft among other young people.”
The Sydni centre POD, which is otherwise known as a Positive Operational Drop-in centre, is run by Positive about Young People.
The Crimebeat initiative, which is managed and delivered by Positive about Young People across Warwickshire is continually looking for groups of young people to apply for funding for their community projects. For more information contact Mark Bolton, Warwickshire Crimebeat Coordinator on 02476 754174 or email crimebeat@warwickshire.gov.uk