Police reward good young citizens
Richard BatsonSchoolgirls who put litter in a bin have earned some free swimming sessions under a joint police and business initiative to reward good citizenship at North Walsham.Richard Batson
Schoolgirls who put litter in a bin have earned some free swimming sessions under a joint police and business initiative to reward good citizenship at North Walsham.
Others who obeyed 'no cycling' signs in a pedestrian precinct and a girl who helped tidy up a pile of rubbish behind the abandoned Woolworths store have also won vouchers under the scheme.
The local Safer Neighbourhood Team covering 25 parishes are using the donated sessions at a pool and a play centre to praise the good behaviour of young people
Police Community Support Officer Tony Callaghan said: 'People will ask why we are rewarding people for doing things correctly, but we need to educate young people.
You may also want to watch:
'We do give out warnings when we see people doing wrong, but we give praise too when they are doing it right - and in some special cases we give out the vouchers.'
They included two 13-year-old girls who put their chip trays in a rubbish bin; two 12-year-old boys who walked their cycles through a precinct and had all the right safety gear; and a seven year old girl helping her dad tidy up an unsightly pile of rubbish left behind the closed Woolworths - all in North Walsham.
Most Read
- 1 Market organiser vows big return after weather fears spark cancellation
- 2 Stunning sunset artwork being raffled for new cancer centre
- 3 Objectors gather to protest against 60ft 5G phone mast plans
- 4 Classic cars raise hundreds for charity at Mundesley Motor Show
- 5 Father and son rescued after being swept out to sea
- 6 Tell us: Why young people move away from Norfolk
- 7 'Slow down, save lives' - Police launch speed awareness campaign
- 8 Rescuers called as seaside visitors cut off by high tide
- 9 Met office issue weather warnings for thunderstorms in parts of Norfolk
- 10 Trains cancelled due to flooding - and more heavy rain expected
The rewards have been donated by the Victory pool - for the older children - and the Run Wild play and activity centre for the younger ones.
PSCO Callaghan added: 'When I call the youngsters over they look nervous. When I offer praise they are overwhelmed and a bit embarrassed. And word soon gets around among the young people.'
