Neighbourhood Police Team Get Safety Message across to Students

Newry Neighbourhood Policing Team, in conjunction with Newry Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) met local students recently to deliver a safety event.

Officers attended Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School with their colleagues from PSNI's Rape Crime Unit to deliver the male safety event on 14 October. Senior male students from Newry High School also attended.

More than 500 pupils and staff attended to view presentations on the PSNI's One Punch and Without Consent its Rape campaigns.

Constable Michaela Wilson, Newry Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This is the fifth male safety event we have held in Newry with previous events delivered to pupils, aged between 16 and 20 years old, from Southern Regional College, St Colman's College, St Joseph's High School and Newry Rainbow.

"We hope that this event helps young men in the local area to keep themselves safe. Most young people want to have a good time when they go out and our presentations show these teenagers how they can do that in a safe way.

"We are also looking forward to rolling out this event to other schools in South Armagh and South Down."

Newry and Mourne Area Commander, Chief Inspector Davy Beck added: "This event follows a very successful female safety project which was delivered right across Newry and Mourne last year and it underlines our commitment to work in partnership with schools and colleges for the benefit of our young people. By raising awareness of the risks and dangers faced by young people and providing them with the skills to deal with these challenges the event can help make Newry and Mourne a safer place to live, work, and socialise in."

Abbey Christian Brothers' Headmaster, Mr McGovern, welcomed the opportunity to highlight to senior students the dangers faced when socialising in the local area and further afield.

He said: "The information delivered to pupils was  a very real message but a necessary step to help them and their friends stay safe. I thank the Neighbourhood Policing Team and Safety Partnership for coming today and giving an excellent presentation."