Fearless helping to make Gedling safer
FEARLESS, the youth service of independent charity Crimestoppers, together with Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Gedling Borough Council have launched a Safer in Gedling campaign.
The three-month campaign will raise awareness of different crimes and the consequences of being involved in them. This month, the issue of burglaries will be highlighted and tackled.
Young people will be empowered to report information on any suspicious activity they see or any information on a burglary that has taken place to Fearless, 100% anonymously. They will also be enabled to spot signs that could indicate that a crime is about to happen.
Although burglaries in Gedling reduced last year, with this being attributed to the Covid lockdowns and many people working from home, there is a concern that as restrictions ease in the future, homes may not be as safeguarded.
The campaign will also remind people to maintain their home security by keeping doors and windows locked and closed when they go out and at night to make sure that no valuables or keys are on display.
Campaign activities will mainly be online. Other activities will include Fearless resource packs being sent to all secondary schools in the area. Information to raise awareness will also be sent to local businesses and organisations.
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional manager for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers charity will work closely with partners in this campaign to tackle different crimes in Gedling, by effectively engaging with younger people.
“As well as raising awareness around safety and security in the home, the campaign will encourage young people to question whether goods being sold are too good to be true. They can report any suspicious activity 100% anonymously online at Fearless.org, should they not wish to speak to the Police or a trusted adult.
“Fearless focuses on educating young people about crime types. It empowers them to make the right choices and to do the right thing.”
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke, said: “One of the most powerful tools we have in tackling any sort of crime is collaborative working and I’m proud that we’re supporting this campaign to help keep Gedling safe alongside Fearless and Nottinghamshire Police, despite ongoing financial cuts in Gedling Borough Council’s budget from government.
“This campaign not only aims to raise awareness of different types of crime and preventative measures, but it also seeks to help educate younger people and empower them to help keep their communities safe by anonymously contacting the right people, such as charities like Fearless.”