Young people urged to be Fearless in the face of crime
Young people in Plymouth are being urged to become fearless in the fight against crime following the launch of a new service for the city.
Fearless.org is a website from the independent charity Crimestoppers where young people can get information about crimes that affect them.
It also gives them the opportunity to pass on information about crime totally anonymously and it is now being officially launched in Plymouth with the support of Devon and Cornwall Police.
In partnership with the Life Centre, the police have spent half-term engaging with young people and, when schools return next week, it is hoped that Fearless will be rolled out in secondary schools.
Sarah German, the police crime prevention officer in Plymouth, said: “Young people are one of the most important audiences for Crimestoppers to communicate with, but they haven’t always understood or been willing to interact with the charity.
“One of the key reasons for launching Fearless is to empower young people to be just that, ‘fearless’ in passing on information about crime anonymously if they feel unable to talk to police.
“With the support of our partner organisations we are adopting an innovative approach to marketing and raising awareness of the charity’s website.
“It is also an opportunity for those who work with youths to utilise the excellent resources to approach the subject in a youth friendly medium.”
Among the marketing tools being used are:
- a unique QR (quick reference) code that can be scanned by smartphones – taking the user straight to the Fearless web site and its online reporting function;
- the use of flat screens in the communal areas of schools, colleges and the Life Centre;
- posters placed in discreet areas of the Life Centre, schools, college, sports and youth clubs so that young people can scan without fear of retribution;
- key rings with the Fearless logo and QR code;
- ICE (in case of emergency) cards;
- Liaising with school/college professionals to raise awareness of Fearless and the resource package they can access to help with lessons.
The project has received approval from Kristina Gregory, youth project manager, Fearless HQ, who particularly liked the consideration that had been given to the marketing tools and methods, saying: “I think the considerations you have placed on the safety of the young people are key in taking this approach forward and particularly like the more discrete keyrings.”
“Crimestoppers is for everyone in the UK but Fearless is aimed at young people,” said Sarah German.
“We know they are at risk of crime as well as adults and want to give them clear information about crimes that might affect them as well as the chance to give information anonymously if they don’t want to go to the police."
