'Tireless' work of Northamptonshire anti-crime volunteer group recognised with national award

Efforts in hard-to-reach communities in Northampton and Wellingborough acknowledged by Crimestoppers
By Jack Duggan
Published 12th Jun 2020, 12:51 BST
Updated 12th Jun 2020, 12:54 BST
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A group of volunteers from all walks of life working together to tackle crime in Northamptonshire have won a national award.

The Northamptonshire Crimestoppers committee has been named committee of the year at the Crimestoppers Volunteer Awards 2020.

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The charity said the judges were particularly impressed by the group's tireless work over the last 18 months in and around hard-to-reach communities in Northampton and Wellingborough.

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The Northamptonshire Crimestoppers committee has worked hard to reduce knife crime in the county with workshops and even funding a project for students to make a rap about it. Photo: ShutterstockThe Northamptonshire Crimestoppers committee has worked hard to reduce knife crime in the county with workshops and even funding a project for students to make a rap about it. Photo: Shutterstock
The Northamptonshire Crimestoppers committee has worked hard to reduce knife crime in the county with workshops and even funding a project for students to make a rap about it. Photo: Shutterstock

Northampton Town Football Club's Premier League Kicks co-ordinator Anna Letts, who is on the committee, said: "It is fantastic to see the committee has been recognised for all the work it does.

"I am so pleased that Premier League Kicks is playing a part in this important work to help reduce crime, educate young people and make the county a safer place to be."

Regional CrimeStoppers groups are made up of volunteers from different agencies all working towards raising awareness around anonymously reporting crime, reducing levels of crime and improving the safety of residents.

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The Northamptonshire CrimeStoppers committee has gone from strength to strength over the last three years with more members getting on board and new, creative ideas on how to raise awareness.

In the last 18 months, the committee has worked tirelessly to promote anti-crime messages in communities dealing with high levels of drug crime, violence, weapons, gang crime and other issues.

They have halved the number of arson attacks, brought theatre productions to more than 1,500 students and organised events attended by hundreds of people.

The 'fearless' workshop has been delivered to around 10,000 pupils, with a further 4,000 due to be delivered to this year, while a school project to make a rap on knife crime was also funded.

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Premier LeagueKicks is part of the committee's efforts to reduce crime levels by providing positive diversionary sporting activities for young people in key areas of the county.

As well as free weekly football sessions, Northampton Town Community Trust staff deliver 'fearless' and anti-crime workshops in schools, community groups and at PL Kicks sessions to raise awareness of knife crime, gangs, county lines and anti-social behaviour.