Young detectives given crime lesson

BUDDING sleuths have been given the chance to hone their skills with the help of top detectives.

Children at Oundle and Kings Cliffe Middle School have been learning new skills on crime and policing this week as part of the Northamptonshire Young Detectives Scheme (NPYD).

Pupils aged between nine and 13 years old have taken part in the scheme, which is being run in partnership with the local youth centre in Kings Cliffe, called “Underground” led by Youth Club leader Katy Weeks.

Local officers have been giving presentations about their daily routines and the youngsters were introduced to two working dogs by PC Pete Gray, who gave them a talk and demonstration showing just what these highly trained dogs can do.

This is the third year that young people have had the opportunity to be part of this scheme and to take on missions based around team working, problem solving and communication.

PCSO Phil Dobson who presented the programme said: “The Young Detectives Scheme helps to introduce young schoolchildren to the work done by the police in a fun and interactive way.

“Our aim is to make the sessions entertaining but educational on matters of crime prevention and reducing the risks of being a victim of crime.

“It is really encouraging to know that this information could then be shared with their families and friends by talking about what they have learnt in this novel way to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.”