Police hope school scheme sticks

There are 15 stickers in the set to collect in the police series

Collecting mania is being used by police in the north-east of England to ensure the anti-crime message sticks with youngsters in the region.

Northumbria Police has issued a series of stickers depicting various aspects of the force's work.

It is hoped the series, called Fifteens, will be as popular as collectors' cards such as Top Trumps, or the more recent Pokemon stickers.

The sticky scheme is underway at three schools in Sunderland - Silksworth, St Leonard's and St Paul's RC in Ryhope.

This is a fun way of helping the youngsters learn about the people who police their area

Sgt Steve Baker

Youngsters at the schools are being given a poster-sized album to display their stickers, and the first sticker.

The police cards feature pictures and facts on beat managers, police vehicles, dogs and horses, and are given to pupils for good behaviour.

There are 15 stickers to collect, with prizes for those who collect seven and top prizes for a full house.

Prizes include family trips to Sunderland Empire, Boldon Cinema and a variety of sporting passes for the summer holidays.

'Forging' links

The prizes have been awarded by Sports and Leisure Community Services, part of Sunderland City Council.

Sergeant Steve Baker, is part of Sunderland South Community Policing Team, which is funding the scheme.

He said: "We wanted to build on the work we have already been doing in the community.

"Forging links with the children not only helps them with their citizenship work but also helps us.

"We wanted to do something different. This is a fun way of helping the youngsters learn about the people who police their area while giving something back to them."

A Northumbria Police spokesman said if the scheme was popular with pupils it may be extended to other parts of the force area.