News
Youngsters draw on police advice
Dated: 29 May 2012
[View Full Size]Youngsters at primary schools in North Tyneside have been drawing on police advice to take part in a poster competition.
Neighbourhood Beat Managers for Shiremoor and West Allotment, PCs Garry Watson and Kev Rogerson, have been working with primary schools in a crime prevention competition, launched in partnership with Tyne and Wear Metro.
Pupils from years three to six at Cullercoats, Monkhouse, Shiremoor and St Marys Primary Schools each designed posters with the focus on combating burglary.
And 11-year-old Kate Richie, from Cullercoats Primary, proved she was picture perfect after scooping first prize from scores of entries. Her poster has now been printed by Tyne and Wear Metro and is being displayed at West Monkseaton and Shiremoor Metro stations.
Local businesses have also become involved in the initiative, including Whitley Bay Ice Rink, The Odeon and Pizza Hut, by donating prizes for the winner and three runners-up.
Jim Gray, Whitley Bay Neighbourhood Inspector, said: "This competition has allowed officers to pass on important crime prevention advice, specifically on how to avoid becoming a victim of burglary, while at the same time given pupils a fun activity to become involved in.
"The aim was for the pupils to work with their families on their design which would in turn encourage those families to think about simple security methods to make their homes safer.
"It also helped us to further build on our already excellent links with local schools.
"We will continue to work with our partners and local businesses to further reduce crime in the Whitley Bay area and to keep its reputation as a safe place to live, work and visit."
Sharon Kelly, Customer Services Director at Tyne and Wear Metro, said: "Tyne and Wear Metro has been working closely with Northumbria Police on a number of initiatives to raise awareness of crime prevention and safety within our local communities.
"We are delighted to have been involved in this competition working with local primary schools and it is great that we are able to display the winning designs at Metro stations in the Whitley Bay area, raising awareness about crime prevention and safety amongst the wider community. Huge congratulations go out to Katie Richie for winning first place in this competition."
Gavin Storey, headteacher at Cullercoats Primary School, added: "We are very proud of Kate. Her poster ensures that the community are aware of the upset and inconvenience that burglars can cause. Hopefully we can all raise awareness and beat the burglars together."
PC Garry Watson pictured with Sharon Kelly, Customer Services Director at Tyne and Wear Metro and competition winner Kate Richie