POLICE in Tameside have linked up with a few familiar names to crack down on anti-social behaviour and engage with young people.
Officers from the Greater Manchester force are working with Foundation 92 – which was founded by Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville – to provide mobile vehicles that will operate in known hotspots.
There will be multiple resources onboard, including games consoles, a kitchenette and educational, preventative messaging.
Sergeant Rob Froggatt, from Tameside Neighbourhood team, helped secure the funding for the project, applying to the local Community Safety Partnership, which will see the F92 teams provide support for the next 12 months.
They will work closely with officers, using data to deploy to the most appropriate locations reactively and ensure comprehensive coverage of areas.
The purpose of the project is to provide a safe, welcoming environment for young people and to engage with them on multiple topics regarding safety, dangers, and the impact of anti-social behaviour.
Further to this, it will aim to educate young people to assist them with their development and provide signposting to ways in which they can improve themselves, both personally and socially.
Sgt Froggatt said: “Crime prevention is a fundamental part of policing, stopping criminality before it can occur and helping spread awareness of the risks associated.
“The Foundation 92’s mobile service will help keep young people off the streets, by providing a safe environment for them to have fun, educate themselves, and develop going forwards.
“This will be a fantastic tool in our arsenal to prevent ASB – by stopping young people from potentially taking part, to teaching them about the potential risks for themselves by engaging in it.”
Ricardo Silva, Community Programmes Manager at Foundation 92, added: “This project represents our commitment to empowering young people in Tameside with the tools, confidence and opportunities to make positive choices.
“By delivering youth work directly into communities, we can build trust, reduce risk-taking behaviours, and create safer, stronger neighbourhoods for everyone.”