17 July 2009
Over 150 children have successfully collected complete sets of the Bedwas 'Know Your Bobby' cards and are now being rewarded by local officers and Van Communities First.
An activity event is being held for children who have successfully collected the complete set of cards from the Bedwas Neighbourhood Policing Team.
The Gwent Police and Van Communities First scheme was launched to encourage children to speak to their local neighbourhood police officers. Each Police Officer and Police Community Support Officer in the team have their own playing card, showing their picture, contact details and tips on how to stay safe.
Over the last two months, children from St James Primary School and St Helens Roman Catholic Primary School as well as those living locally in Lansbury Park, Mornington Meadows, Rudry and the surrounding areas have been collecting cards from officers when they have seen them patrolling local streets.
As a reward, children who have gathered all 16 cards are being invited to attend a free event with lots of activities for them to try. These include street dancing, arts and crafts with Groundwork, sports activities, as well as water experiments with Keep Wales Tidy. They will also have a chance to try tropical fruits and come face-to-face with creepy crawlies. A police car and fire engine will also be at the Community Centre.
PC Karen Hartshorne, said: "We have had a really positive response from the local community. The children have enjoyed collecting the cards and the scheme has definitely encouraged more of them to come and talk to us when we are walking around the area. I hope that they hold onto the cards so they have our contact details and safety messages, and that they will continue to talk to us, particularly if they are having any problems they want to discuss."
Wendy Griffin, Chair of the Van Community Partnership, said: "This scheme has been a great success and is an excellent example of what can be achieved with partnerships working together."
Mr John Bridges, Head Teacher of St James Primary School, said: "We were delighted to be part of this initiative and I have no doubt that the scheme has had a very positive effect on the relationship between the neighbourhood police officers and the community. It was a very popular scheme; the children have enjoyed collecting the cards and are very much looking forward to the activity day."
The scheme was launched at the end of April with the help of Gwent Dragons players at Rodney Parade.
For further information, please visit the Safer CCB website.
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