Uni and WY Police combine for Cub Scout crime day

The event was part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science and held at West Yorkshire Police’s Carr Gate Training and Development Centre

THE University of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire Police have again teamed up with Cub Scouts to help spread the message about crime prevention.

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Last year, the University of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire Police joined with West Yorkshire Scouts to launch the inaugural crime prevention badge, which cubs from Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees were awarded after completing a programme of crime-busting activities.

This year, cubs from Central Yorkshire Scouts, Leeds and Wakefield, had the same opportunity to learn about crime prevention.

The cubs discussed the importance of crime prevention and designed crime prevention messages, which they took home to share with their families.  They also learnt about the importance of online safety from the NSPCC and took part in practical aspects of policing.

At the event, held on Saturday 11 November, the cubs attended a ceremony at West Yorkshire Police’s Carr Gate Training and Development Centre.

The event at Carr Gate was organised by criminologist Dr Leanne Monchuk from the University of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire Police’s Force Crime Prevention Officer Chris Joyce.

Dr Leanne Monchuk from the Applied Criminology and Policing Centre at the University of Huddersfield, said: “I’m delighted to have received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to host this event in partnership with West Yorkshire Police.  Much of my research focuses upon the importance of crime prevention and this event was a great way to showcase some of the collaborative work I’ve undertaken in this field. It was fantastic to see so many young people discussing innovative ways to prevent crime and translate this into excellent and memorable crime prevention advice.  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank West Yorkshire Police for hosting the event at their impressive Carr Gate complex and to everyone involved in making the day such a success – especially Force Crime Prevention Officer Chris Joyce. 

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It was run as part of Economic and Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Science – a week-long festival that celebrates some of the country’s leading social science research, giving an exciting opportunity to showcase the valuable work of the UK’s social scientists and demonstrate how their work has an impact on all our lives. 

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Crime prevention is a very important message and as a Force we are doing all we can to spread the word.  Young people represent the future and if they can have some fun learning about a serious message and then take that message home to their parents then we are helping to make a difference.”

Ian Hill County Commissioner from Central Yorkshire Scouts said: “What more could a Cub Scout ask for than a day of fun and challenge at a Police training centre.  The Cubs all had a wild time and this partnership is a great example of how young people can learn important messages about crime prevention and develop life skills whilst having fun.  I am sure their raised awareness will be passed on to friends and families helping to make a real difference in their communities.”