A group of young people from Merthyr Tydfil recently enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of South Wales Police headquarters as a reward for a local decrease in anti-social behaviour.
The children visited a number of different departments at force headquarters in Bridgend including the mounted section (dogs and horses) and the underwater specialist search unit.
It was organised as a reward for those who attend the weekly Xbox league at the Pant Annex which has contributed to a dramatic decrease in anti-social behaviour.
Pc Ian Francis, Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Dowlais, said: “My colleagues and I were discussing with James Hawker at the Dowlais Forum a way to reward the young people for their commitment to attending the youth club every Friday night.
“We decided a trip to force headquarters was the ideal way to further build the good relationship between the young people and South Wales Police, and also give the youngsters an opportunity to see the variety of services we provide to the community.”
The Xbox league was launched in January 2010 following complaints of youth annoyance in the Pant area on Friday evenings. So far 293 young people between the ages of 8 and 17 have attended the project which also gives them other opportunities such as joining the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
Significantly, anti social behaviour has decreased 100 per cent as there have been no reports of anti social behaviour since the project started.
Pc Francis added: “The Dowlais Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue working with local young people as organised activities such as the Xbox football league club are proving successful in taking young people off the street and reducing anti-social behaviour.”
During last month’s visit, the youth people answered police-related questions, completed a police word search and were given an information sheet on how to contact their local police officers.
PC Francis added; “I would like to thank ASDA in Dowlais for donating several chocolate prizes for the competition involved in the trip and Communities First for providing the children with packed lunches.”
