Olympic hero tells kids to keep it safe

Olympic medal sensation Amir Khan joined forces with
Crimestoppers in Manchester last week to launch a week of action
aimed at protecting schoolchildren from street crime.

“SAFE” week, which starts today, has been developed
by the Home Office, teachers and police, and will provide safety
advice to children in schools, through special lessons and
assemblies.

The “top tips” given to children include not
flashing your valuable phone and MP3 player, planning your route
home, being aware of your environment, travelling with friends,
keeping your bag zipped and spreading your possessions about your
person. The fact that boys are just as likely to be targeted as
girls is also stressed.

As part of the week, the National Youth Theatre is performing a
SAFE play in schools around the country. A renewed wave of TV and
Radio ads will also be aired as part of the Home Office’s
“Let’s keep crime down” campaign.

SAFE week comes in the peak period for street crime, when
criminals take advantage of dark conditions to target
schoolchildren with new Christmas presents.

Olympic silver medal-winning boxer Khan said: “It is
important to help young people avoid becoming victims of robbery
and to deter potential offenders too. I hope that the campaign
raises awareness amongst young people and helps them to stay
safe.”

The SAFE website is http://www.crimestppers-uk.org/solving/safe.