Posted 16/06/2010

Police want kids to B Smart with the launch of antisocial behaviour campaign in Barnsley


Police in Barnsley are starting early this year with the launch of a new campaign to tackle antisocial behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Cartoon character Josh and his friends (from last year’s ‘I’m not with Stupid’ campaign) are back with the launch of the 2010 drive.
But in a new twist, police are asking kids to ‘B Smart’ and get creative with the start of a competition today, allowing them to decide just what the characters get up to over Mischief Night and whether or not they stick to their better judgement...
Last autumn, Kendray and Worsbrough Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) in partnership with Barnsley Academy, led an innovative Bluetooth and social media campaign aimed at deterring young people from committing acts of criminal damage and antisocial behaviour over the 'Mischief' period, a time which traditionally sees an increase in reports.

Two Bluetooth messages were created, illustrating the story of what happened when Josh and his friend Rob decided to take part in illegal behaviour and how they lost the respect of their peers.
The campaign was a success with a reduction of 34 per cent in criminal damage in the Kendray and Worsbrough area over the period and the decision was made to roll out the initiative through the whole of Barnsley.

This year’s campaign named ‘B Smart’, will include a competition where pupils from year 4 and upwards, are asked to create their own storyboard using last year’s characters, with the theme of staying safe and acting responsibly during the period.
The winning entrants will receive a prize to the value of £250 plus £500 for their school. Their designs will then be transformed into animated Bluetooth messages by a design agency and cascaded throughout Barnsley during October and November. Police will be visiting around 100 schools to explain the campaign and encourage discussion of antisocial behaviour and the negative impacts it can have on individuals and their communities.
The campaign launches today, June 7, with the start of competition. Children will have until July 2 to submit their entries with winners being chosen a couple of weeks later.

Inspector Julie Mitchell is running the campaign.She said: "The project last year was such a great success that we wanted to build upon the positive results we achieved and carry the campaign on for a second year.
“We are hoping these new methods of communication will help us engage with young people in a memorable and fun way.
“By involving young people in the design stage of creating Bluetooth messages, we will be encouraging young people to think about and fully understand the consequences of getting involved in poor behaviour and hopefully, make the right choice.
“This competition is a great opportunity for our young people to demonstrate their creative skills, not only in artwork, but in citizenship, communication and teamwork. There is a lot of talent amongst our young people and it will be good to promote their achievements in a positive light".