POLICE PROMOTE CHILD SAFETY WITH TRUANCY SWEEP IN GLOUCESTER
18 October 2007
Gloucester police took to the streets of Linden today in an operation aimed at keeping children safe and out of trouble.
Two police constables and two police community support officers of the local Safer Community Team conducted a truancy sweep of the area. As well as scouring the streets they checked shops, the cinema, a snooker club and play areas for pupils not in their classrooms when they should be.
Between 10.30am and 2.30pm they stopped and spoke to 15 youngsters not at their
desks.
Two boys, aged 13 and 14, were escorted back to their schools by an officer.
A 14-year-old girl who is educated at home was also taken home by police.
The others all had valid reasons not to be in their classrooms. Their details were taken and the information they gave is being checked against education authority records.
PC Dominic Everiss who led the operation said: "It’s important for us to gauge how many young people are playing truant in the area and where they’re hanging around for their own safety.
"We’re also keen to tackle truancy as we work to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Obviously kids being out kicking their heels when they should be at school can potentially lead to problems such as damage and shoplifting."
Local education authorities have the power to take parents to court under the Education Act 1996. Those convicted of not ensuring school attendance face a fine of up to £2,500 and a prison sentence of up to three months. Fixed penalty notices are also used to tackle the problem.
The truancy sweep was held during national Not in my Neighbourhood Week which runs until October 21.
Organised by the Home Office, it aims to highlight the work local agencies are doing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
The Moreland ward in Gloucester is the local focus for Not in my Neighbourhood Week and the truancy sweep was one of many events taking place there as a result. Others include an anti-social behaviour crackdwon, free home security checks, open days where local people can meet those involved in work against crime and anti-social behaviour and a fun evening where young people can learn about the dangers of alcohol abuse.
Although many such activities run throughout the year, Not in my Neighbourhood Week gives local police the opportunity to pull additional police and partner agency resources into the area, helping to tackle crime, disorder and motoring offences further.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "When people work with the police and other local agencies to stand up to crime and anti-social behaviour, neighbourhoods can be turned around. Not in my Neighbourhood Week will make this happen.
"I hope that when people realise the huge amount of work being done day in, day out to tackle crime and make communities safer they will feel safer and be encouraged to get involved themselves as well.
"When everyone works together - local partners, across government, in business, communities, police and the public sector - the impact is greatest and crime comes down."
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