February 24, 2009
MP JOINS POLICE MINISTER FOR CRACKDOWN ON YOUTHS IN RAWMARSH
Wentworth MP John Healey joined the government’s police minister Vernon Coaker at an operation targeting youngsters out unsupervised late at night.
Police in Rotherham took part in a national crackdown on Friday night, when 100 young people were spoken to or spot-checked by officers and 12 were taken to a place of safety.
It was part of Operation Staysafe, aimed at removing vulnerable children and young people at risk of becoming a victim of crime or being drawn into criminal behaviour, to a place of safety before returning them to their parents, carers or guardians. Follow up actions may then be put in place with parents by the authorities to stop problem behaviour from recurring.
Mr Healey said: “I am pleased the minister was in Rotherham to see at first hand how invaluable schemes like this are helping ensure the public feel safer and vulnerable youngsters are protected.”
Mr Coaker went out on the beat with officers in Rawmarsh, visited Rawmarsh People’s Centre and spoke to young people at the place of safety.
Mr Coaker said: “This scheme highlights one of the many tools the Labour Government has given to police to help keep our streets safe.
“Labour are committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. We are investing in Neighbourhood Policing Teams to work alongside local people in every area in England and Wales.
“Police numbers are now at an historic high - up by more than 14,600 since 1997, alongside nearly 16,000 Community Support Officers.
“But the Tories would cut £160million from the Home Office budget - the equivalent of over 3500 fewer police officers across England and Wales.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: “Most parents would be horrified to receive a knock on the door from police returning their child to them. But there are too many who think it is acceptable to allow their child to stay out late where they may be vulnerable to committing crime or becoming victims of crime.
“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. Identifying vulnerable young people at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and intervening to address root causes before the have time to develop into more serious problems is a key strand of the Government’s drive to prevent and tackle youth crime.
“I want to send the 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 a key part of the £100 million cross Government Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP) launched in July 2008.
Rotherham is one of 69 YCAP priority areas across the country. 27 areas took part in the enforcement weekend.