Young people urged to stay safe 4 summer

An initiative to engage young people across Wigan and Leigh over the summer holidays has been launched today, Friday 18 July.

Operation Challenge*, which runs until September and ties in with Greater Manchester’s safe4summer** campaign, aims to combat youth nuisance and provide constructive activities for young people.

In the weeks leading up to the holidays, school based police officers have been warning pupils about the consequences of anti-social behaviour, as well as handing out information packs informing them of activities on offer during the summer months.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have also visited schools to talk about the dangers of starting fires and swimming in open water.

Throughout the holiday period, police will carry out high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas and gather intelligence on those causing disruption.

Officers will seize illegally purchased alcohol, work with Trading Standards to target licensed premises selling alcohol to under 18s and take action against adults who buy drink for young people.

Tackling the illegal use of off-road bikes will also be a priority, and police will pass on the details of young people causing trouble to the council’s Neighbourhood Teams.

In addition, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will identify young people causing disturbance during patrols, and inform Environmental Services of any flytipping sites that could be used to start fires.

Inspector Mark Chadderton, Wigan Division’s lead officer for Operation Challenge, said: “We’re driving home the message that any form of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and will be focusing our efforts on alcohol-related nuisance in particular. Firm action will be taken against off-licences who sell to under 18s and adults who buy alcohol for young people, and I would appeal to parents and guardians to take an active interest in where their children are and what they are doing.

“Residents across the borough should be able to enjoy the summer period in peace rather than feeling intimidated by gangs of youths, and this initiative will help ensure that they can.”

Paul Whitemoss, Wigan Council’s Community Safety Team manager, added: "As a partnership we have given out some very positive information to young people in year 8 about what kinds of activities are going on, both in their area and across the borough.

“There’s loads going on, Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust has laid on a whole host of activities, and one scheme we’re particularly keen to see young people access is the Canalside project.*** This will be held between 21 July and 29 August on the Leeds Liverpool canal at various locations across the borough, and gives young people the opportunity to learn how to canoe safely and teaches them about the history of our local canals.

“As an incentive for young people to engage in sports or leisure activities this summer, Wigan Council and the Partnership are offering young people who take part in any activity the opportunity to enter a free prize draw to win a Nintendo Wii. All you need to do to enter is go along to any activity and ask the coach for an entry postcard. You can enter as many times as you like so the more activities you do, the better your chance of winning. So come on kids, get active, get involved and keep safe over the summer holidays.”

To report any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage, call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111.

If you know of anyone who is deliberately setting fires or attacking firefighters, call Firestoppers and report them anonymously on 0800 923 9999.

To find out about activities on offer to young people over the summer holidays, please call Children and Young People’s Services on 01942 769812, Wigan Sports Development on 01942 404982, or visit the LINC website at www.wlct.org/linc.online where there’s a comprehensive list of summer activities for young people across the borough.

Alternatively, visit the Safe 4 summer website (external website) and select ‘Wigan’.

Note to editors:

* Operation Challenge is being run by Greater Manchester Police in partnership with Wigan Council’s Community Safety Team, Trading Standards, Youth Services, Wigan and Leigh Housing and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

** safe4summer is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in Greater Manchester to enjoy a great summer holiday. The scheme has been designed to offer young people the chance to experience a whole host of cool and exciting activities available in their local area.

During the long summer break there are occasions when what may appear to be a bit of harmless fun can be seen differently by other people and could carry some quite serious consequences if it gets out of hand.

safe4summer will aim to provide young people with enough interests and activities to banish boredom completely, and offers advice about personal safety on the street and in the countryside as well as promoting social responsibility messages.

For more information got to www.safe4summer.com (External link)

*** To get involved in the Canalside project, contact the Outdoor Education Team on 01942 769812. A full list of Canalside dates and locations is available at www.wlct.org/Culture/linconline/canal08

For further information contact: Max Bowie, GMP Public Relations Officer, on 0161 856 2761 / 2284 or 07979 706797