Police officers deliver crucial safety messages at schools in Trafford

Trafford Police officers have been helping to deliver safety messages to pupils across the borough.

Working as part of the ‘Crucial Crew’ team, Trafford South Neighbourhood Policing Team took part in awareness sessions at schools across Trafford, including Hale Preparatory School.

Inspector Colin Dytor also presented an award to Clara Wagner, who won an art competition with her poster warning of the dangers of smoking and vaping with the tagline ‘Save your breath. Save your life.’

Insp Dytor said: “The judges had a difficult decision deciding who the overall winner was, as the standard was particularly high with some great messages, but they felt Clara’s was the most impactful with her artwork and catchy caption.

“It is important young people are aware of the dangers and how the police and other organizations can help and support them.

“We warn them about the dangers and consequences of crime and carrying knives, as well as how to stay safe online.”

The ‘Crucial Crew’ scheme is coordinated by Child Safety Media, which runs events across the UK to raise a child’s awareness of threats and dangers in a fun, interactive, and enjoyable way.

These sessions will be delivered to more than 2,000 pupils across Trafford each year.

Child Safety Media’s director, Dan Lowrie, said: “Crucial Crew is aimed at children aged 10 and 11 in year six as they transition to secondary school – it is one of the most important years in the school life of a child.

“Children start to become more independent at this age and are often expected to cope increasingly on their own, dealing with changes in their lives.

“Pupils attending a Crucial Crew event are taken through a series of practical safety scenarios highlighting topics such as personal safety, crime prevention, internet safety, cyber-crime, knife crime, rail safety, anti-social behavior, crime and consequences, and road safety.”

As well as GMP, the Crucial Crew program is supported by British Transport Police, MyBnk, One Trafford’s Traffic and Road Safety Team, the TravelSafe Partnership, and Trafford & Manchester Local Care Organisation.

A spokesperson from Hale Preparatory School. said: “Hale Prep has been attending Crucial Crew for many years.

“It is well-presented and thought-out, giving the children an insight into life outside the primary school as they transition into year six.

“It brings together ways in which children can learn and adapt to different situations as they become more independent.

“From railway safety to mobile phone theft, and vaping to road safety, the scenarios covered by the team of professionals give much-needed guidance and support.

“The competition to design a poster to bring to life one of the topics was won by Clara, a talented artist whose poster was about vaping and the dangers. The school is very proud of her.”