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An initiative to engage young people across Wigan and Leigh over the summer
holidays has been launched today, Friday 18 July.
Operation Challenge*, which runs until September and ties in with Greater
Manchester's safe4summer** campaign, aims to combat youth nuisance and
provide constructive activities for young people.
In the weeks leading up to the holidays, school based police officers have
been warning pupils about the consequences of anti-social behaviour, as
well as handing out leaflets informing them of activities on offer during
the summer months.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have also visited schools to
talk about the dangers of starting fires and swimming in open water.
Throughout the holiday period, police will carry out high-visibility
patrols in hotspot areas and gather intelligence on those causing
disruption.
Officers will seize illegally purchased alcohol, work with Trading
Standards to target licensed premises selling alcohol to under 18s and take
action against adults who buy drink for young people.
Tackling the illegal use of off-road bikes will also be a priority, and
police will pass on the details of young people causing trouble to the
council's Neighbourhood Teams.
In addition, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will identify young
people causing disturbance during patrols, and inform Environmental
Services of any flytipping sites that could be used to start fires.
Inspector Mark Chadderton, Wigan Division's lead officer for Operation
Challenge, said: "We're driving home the message that any form of
anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and will be focusing our
efforts on alcohol-related nuisance in particular. Firm action will be
taken against off-licences who sell to under 18s and adults who buy alcohol
for young people, and I would appeal to parents and guardians to take an
active interest in where their children are and what they are doing.
"Residents across the borough should be able to enjoy the summer period in
peace rather than feeling intimidated by gangs of youths, and this
initiative will help ensure that they can."
Paul Whitemoss, Wigan Council's Community Safety Team manager, added: "As a
partnership we have given out some very positive information to young
people in year 8 about what kinds of activities are going on, both in their
area and across the borough.
"There's loads going on, and one scheme we're particularly keen to see
young people access is the Canalside project.*** This will be held between
21 July and 29 August on the Leeds Liverpool canal at various locations
across the borough, and gives young people the opportunity to learn how to
canoe safely and teaches them about the history of our local canals.
"As an incentive for young people to engage in sports or leisure activities
this summer, Wigan Council and the Partnership are offering young people
who take part the opportunity to enter a free prize draw to win a Nintendo
Wii. So come on kids, get active, get involved and keep safe over the
summer holidays."
To report any instances of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage, call
police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on freephone 0800 555
111.
To find out about activities on offer to young people over the summer
holidays, go to www.safe4summer.com and select ‘Wigan'.
Alternatively, please call Children and Young People's Services on 01942
769812, Wigan Sports Development on 01942 404982, or visit the LINC website
at www.wlct.org/linc.online where there's a comprehensive list of summer
activities for young people across the borough. |
