Slough Police officers spoke to more than 60 children and took nine youngsters to a place of safety during a joint operation with the Youth Service in Slough last weekend.
Slough is one of 27 areas in England running Operation Staysafe patrols as part of a coordinated effort to protect vulnerable children and reassure the public that they are dealing with youth crime and disorder. The operation identifies young people who are out late at night and at risk of becoming a victim of crime or being drawn into criminal behaviour.
Between 6pm and 2am on Friday and Saturday nights (20-22/2), a team of police officers carried out patrols across Slough, looking for youngsters under 18 who were out on the streets unsupervised by adults. On Friday night, officers spoke to about 30 children, but no further action was taken.
On Saturday night, officers spoke to about 36 young people aged between 11 and 17. Nine of these were taken to a place of safety because they were causing concern due to anti-social behaviour or under-age drinking.
Slough Community Safety Inspector Jon Goosey said: “The children were taken to a safe location (not the police station) staffed by the Youth Service and police officers. From there, some were collected by their parents and others were taken home by the police. Where appropriate, follow-up actions will be taken by agencies such as the Youth Service and Youth Offending Team to prevent problem behaviour from recurring.
“This weekend was not a one-off; we will be running Operation Staysafe patrols on a regular basis from now on.”
Ellen O’Farrell, Youth Service and Participation Manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “Keeping young people safe is a top priority for the council’s youth service.
“Operation Staysafe flagged up a number of young people putting themselves at risk, and youth workers will be carrying out follow-up work with these young people. In some cases we will work with colleagues within children’s services to ensure young people and their families get the support they need.
“We’re pleased with the success of the operation so far and look forward to continued partnership work with the police to improve the safety of young people and local communities.”
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: “Operation Staysafe protects at-risk children and provides a reassuring police presence on the streets. This weekend’s activity highlights the important work that police and children’s services are doing week in, week out to help keep children safe and to intervene to address root causes before they have time to develop into more serious problems.
“I want to send a clear message to parents that not knowing where your child is at night or allowing them to stay out late on their own is unacceptable and I want to reassure communities that we are working to keep children safe from harm and tackle youth crime and disorder head on.”
Operation Staysafe is part of the intensive package of measures being delivered through the Youth Crime Action Plan. The plan will be delivered in 69 priority areas across the country from April 2009.
Thames Valley Police ~ Slough
