What is it?

Young people often suffer from a negative portrayal in the local and national media, particularly when it comes to anti-social behaviour and perceptions of crime. Images such as young people wearing hoodies and coverage about issues such as knife crime can make us feel increasingly wary about young people when we're out and about.

But how real are our fears and what do young people think about crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)?

The reality within Telford & Wrekin is that children and young people are just as concerned about issues such as crime and ASB as adults are. Not only that but they are actually more likely to have been a victim of crime or a problem than adults. Whilst many of us may think that we have little in common with those who are older or younger than us, the reality is that we share many of the same hopes and fears. Often it's just our culture and tastes that differ.

 

Who should I contact?
If you're a young person and you've been a victim or witness of crime, it's not your fault. You are not alone - click here to visit the Victim Support young people's website

If you'd like to find out more about things to do, places to go, and sources of information and advice in Telford & Wrekin click here to visit the Connexions 4 Youth website

If you'd like to find out about your rights in relation to crime and the law, click here to visit the Connexions Direct "Your Rights" website

Want to receive free community safety alerts about incidents in your area and crime prevention advice?
Click here to sign up to Ringmaster, operated by West Mercia Constabulary

 

ringmaster

2007 Crime and Safety Survey

 

In the 2007 Crime and Safety Survey, children and young people were asked about their experiences of crime and the issues that mattered to them:

Young people are worried about becoming a victim of crime or problems such as: -

  • Being bullied by someone
  • Being threatened or assaulted
  • Having their home broken into
  • Theft of their mobile phone, clothing or personal belongings
  • Someone damaging their belongings on purpose
  • Somebody fighting them

What’s being done in my area?

 

There are a wide range of activities taking place locally to help children and young people to stay safe:

  • Police Community Support Officers work closely with young people in their schools and local community to provide personal safety advice
  • Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service run a number of schemes including Child Road and Safety training, Be Safe Be Seen and new driver awareness programmes to raise awareness of personal safety across the Borough
  • Part of the remit of Local Policing Teams across Telford & Wrekin is to get involved with the young people in their area. Schemes such as the Young Drivers Awareness project are developed in response to local issues that affect residents of all ages
  • Telford & Wrekin Council and its partners run a range of programmes throughout the year to provide children and young people with things to do to help them develop new skills and keep safe.
  • To find out more about examples of the projects mentioned above, watch these videos: