We all know crime doesn’t pay – but it turns out that in Didsbury, good behaviour does.
Well-behaved children in the town have been given tickets by Police Community Support Officers rewarding them for positive behaviour and improving their community.
The Positive Tickets scheme has seen South Manchester youngsters given tickets for putting litter in bins, using pedestrian crossings and riding bikes on the road rather than pavements.
After starting four weeks ago, the scheme’s creator Sergeant Tariq Butt hopes it can be extended and bridge the gap between the police and young people.
“Handing out these tickets allows us to engage with young people in a really positive way, and so far they have appreciated us stopping to speak to them,” he said.
“As police officers we only ever issue tickets in negative situations, so this is refreshing not only for ourselves, but also for youngsters who get to see a different side to us.
“When we explain the reason for issuing the ticket they are pleasantly surprised and think it’s a great idea. Then if we see them again they always acknowledge us.”
Sergeant Butt revealed GMP intend to speak with Didsbury businesses to donate items including cinema tickets and discount vouchers to further encourage positive behaviour.
It is hoped that communicating with young people in this way police will further engage them with the work of the force.
Other positive behaviour that Police Community Support Officers have rewarded includes riding bikes with lights on at night and adopting a positive attitude when being stopped by police.
Picture courtesy of comedy_nose, via Flickr, with thanks.
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