Police hope working with children will help them fight crime in the future

12:10pm Thursday 28th August 2008

A WINSFORD Police Community Support Officer is targeting toddlers in a bid to nip anti-social behaviour in the bud.

PCSO Kevin McShane is paying regular visits to Jumping Jelly Beans playgroup, in the Cheviot Centre, in the hope of building relationships with youngsters from an early age.

He said: “The aim is to build on these relationships as the children go from pre-school to primary school and then on to secondary education.

“By the time they reach high school age we hope they will have a greater understanding of the police, more respect for the work officers do and, subsequently, will think harder about the effect their behaviour has on others.”

So far parents have responded positively to the scheme.

PCSO McShane added: “Everyone at the playgroup has been really supportive of what we are trying to do and the parents seem really pleased that we are looking at new ways of engaging with young people.

“They are also using the contact as a way of passing on details of any problems or issues in their areas.

“Because of their commitment with children it can often be difficult for them to make it to the community action meetings or surgeries, so the playgroup is the perfect place for them to meet with me,” he said.

The playgroup is now on a summer break, but will return in September at the new venue of Handley Hill. Meanwhile, also starting in September, the Cheviot Centre will play host to an after school club, running from 3pm until 5pm, for lone parents and their children.