School joins anti-crime scheme

A school has become the first in Gloucestershire to establish its own junior neighbourhood watch scheme.

Coney Hill Community Primary has launched the scheme after the idea was raised by pupils at a school council meeting.

Pupils and teachers say they hope the scheme will pave the way for other schools to follow in its footsteps.

The scheme encourages children to think about their safety and the safety of others and lets them know what to do if they see crime or other anti-social activities taking place.

Pc Nikki Dannatt said: "The scheme aims to reduce the chances of pupils and their families becoming the victims of crime and to develop a sense of pride in the community."

Pat Turner, from Coney Hill Community Primary School, said: "As well as highlighting how to deal with and report crimes, the scheme aims to educate young people in how to work with the community and not to bully or pick on other children."

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Alan Hardacre added: "I was delighted to be involved as this will help bring the positive message of self-help to a different section of the community."