01/08 Protecting Sedgefield schools from summer vandals

Protecting Sedgefield schools from summer vandals


Sedgefield residents are being called on to help protect school premises from vandalism during the summer break.

Traditionally the summer holiday closure is a vulnerable time for many schools and the police and their partners in the Sedgefield Borough Community Safety Partnership are aiming to stem this trend.

The partnership is appealing for public support in their aim to combat crime and anti-social behaviour on school premises throughout Sedgefield Borough. Letters will be distributed to houses near schools asking people to report anything unusual.

Glyn Hall, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: "Crime in educational premises creates a severe and unnecessary burden on the school funds; money which could be better spent on education.

"Many schools now benefit from security fencing, good lighting and CCTV, however, we still rely on the support of the community to report any unacceptable behaviour or criminal activity.

"We live in the age of the mobile phone and so communication has never been better. Dog walkers, young people and passers-by all have a part to play. Together we can effectively protect our schools."

The Police Neighbourhood Beat Teams together with Sedgefield Borough Council's Neighbourhood Wardens will be making regular visits to check empty school premises. The Community Safety Partnership will also be utilising the versatility of its mobile CCTV vehicle to provide evidence to enable the police to prosecute those responsible for criminal acts.

* Damage was caused to a new garden area at Tudhoe St Charles School in Spennymoor over the weekend July 21-24. Police have appealed for information and can be contacted on 0845 60 60 365 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

20/06 Stay Safe in Sedgefield

Stay Safe in Sedgefield

Sedgefield residents can take advantage of a useful free guide on how
to stay safe in their community.

The Stay Safe booklets have been produced by Sedgefield Community
Safety Partnership and gives information on how to report crimes such as
graffiti, vandalism and vehicle crime and how to take advantage of free
fire safety checks and crime prevention advice.

Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership Chair, Glyn Hall, said:
"Sedgefield Borough is a already a safe place to live and work and our crime
rate is 26 per cent lower than the average for England and Wales.
However we want our residents to feel secure in the community and have a
number of ongoing projects to help make further improvements."

Topics covered in the guide include: neighbourhood wardens, anti-social
behaviour, domestic abuse, hate crime, drugs and alcohol and crime
prevention.

The booklet includes a list of useful numbers and will be available
from council offices, police stations, libraries and GP surgeries around
the borough.

For more information or to order a free copy contact Sedgefield
Community Safety Partnership on 01388 816166 or e-mail CDRP@sedgefield.gov.uk

20/06 FIRE BRIGADE TRAINING FOR SPENNYMOOR PUPILS

FIRE BRIGADE TRAINING FOR SPENNYMOOR PUPILS


Spennymoor youngsters are celebrating success after completing a
special fire brigade training course.

Firebreak is a programme designed to offer Key Stage 4 pupils an
opportunity to take part in a learning experience outside the school
environment.

The course which is funded by Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership
is taught by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and
mirrors the tasks that firefighters receive in training.

David Turnbull, Community Safety Manager for Durham and Darlington Fire
and Rescue Service said: "During the course the students receive
similar training to that of trainee firefighters, engaging with fire service
instructors and specialists from several partnership agencies all
geared towards promoting a greater sense of social responsibility and
awareness with the youngsters."

Pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of pride and diligence in
their approach to work and to acquire greater self-esteem. The course
combines practical scenario based training such as hose-running and ladder
work with theory and discussion workshops.

The young people attended 14 one-day sessions spread over a twelve-week
period and took part in activities aimed at providing vital life skills
such as improving self-esteem, leadership, teamwork, motivation,
behaviour and self-discipline.

The Firebreak students achieved an impressive portfolio of achievement
at the end of the course including NVQ level 1 (working with others)
and accreditation toward the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership Chair, Glyn Hall, said: "We are
committed to the continuous development of young people and by working
with the Fire Service this is an ideal way to invest in the future of
young adults within our community."