Saturday 19 June 2010, saw the launch of Safer Communities Torbay’s short film aimed at raising awareness amongst young people about the reality of crime, the importance of reporting it and the very real consequences that they may face should they commit crime.
Cabinet members, education officials, officers from the Council and Police joined the young stars of the film and their parents at its launch.
An offshoot of an audit looking at young people’s understanding of crime and the likelihood of them reporting it to the authorities, the film depicted two possible scenarios with the strapline ‘it can stop here, it’s your choice’ at the end. The scenarios, which played out intermittently throughout the film, showed a comparison of the potential escalations that come of taking matters into your own hands after having become a victim of crime.
Months of consultation with the bay’s young people and victim support agencies formed the storyline. Amongst some of the groups consulted were the 999 cadets.
Scott Arthurs from the 999 cadets comments;
“Safer Communities Torbay came over to one of our training sessions and explained what they wanted to do and asked for our help. They wanted to know what really happens when someone commits a crime. They also asked us to help with the film; like what should be in it and where it should be filmed. It makes it so much more real – you can actually imagine yourself there and it happening to you.”
One of the suggestions from the young people was to use kids with local accents in a local, recognisable location. Victoria Park in Paignton was chosen as the backdrop and Torbay’s Stagecoach performing arts school was approached to source the actors.
After several casting sessions 15 young people were invited to be part of the film.
Councillor Anna Tolchard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services comments;
“It is inspiring to see how much talent we have in the bay. These young people gave up their free time to be part of such an important message to our young people. Our findings have shown that crime in this age group often goes unreported, with young people not understanding the severity of their actions or the crime committed. This film will be instrumental in breaking down those misconceptions.”
The film will be used, together with a comprehensive work package across Torbay’s schools PSHE lessons (Personal, Social, Health Education) where students will be made aware of the severity of crimes they may have misinterpreted as ‘playground bullying’ and the consequences that their actions could face.
As part of the wider audit and in response to concerns from the young people surveyed, a confidential email has been set up by Safer Communities Torbay to enable young victims to be able to report a crime or simply post comments about the film. The email address is youngvictims@torbay.gov.uk
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