Cubs learn all about crime prevention

And on Saturday 12 November, the first 100 Cubs to successfully complete these activities were awarded with a Crime Prevention badge when they were guests of honour at West Yorkshire Police's Carr Gate complex.

Organised by criminologist Dr Leanne Monchuk from the University of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire Police's Force Crime Prevention Officer Chris Joyce, the event ran as part of Economic and Social Research Council's Festival of Social Science – a week-long festival that celebrates some of the country's leading social science research, giving an exciting opportunity to showcase the valuable work of the UK’s social scientists and demonstrate how their work has an impact on all our lives.

In preparation for the event, the Cubs completed jigsaws featuring an insecure house to identify what could be done to improve its security.

And using this jigsaw the Cubs designed crime prevention posters, aimed at grown-ups, to remind them of the importance of securing their home.

These posters were displayed at the event on Saturday and the Cubs discussed their posters and crime prevention messages with Dr Monchuk and representatives from WYP.

The Cubs have also designed the very badge they received and were also presented with a cupcake which included the winning crime prevention logo design.

Secured by Design supported the event by sponsoring the lunch for all 100 Cub Scouts in attendance. Regional Development Manager Michael Brooke attended the event and was thrilled to see so many young people considering and discussing the importance of crime prevention and home security.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams from West Yorkshire Police, said:

"Crime prevention is an important message and as a Force we are doing all we can to help prevent crime – but it is important that everyone else does their bit too. By working with the scouting movement we are getting the message out to some of the youngest in society. A lot of time and thought has gone into ensuring this badge is both educational and fun for those involved. Hopefully the cubs will pass on their knowledge to other people – not only those in their age group – but relatives too."

Dr Leanne Monchuk from the University of Huddersfield, said: "I'm delighted that this event has been selected by the ESRC to feature in this year's Festival of Social Science. Crime prevention is one of the main areas of research interest here at the University of Huddersfield and this event aims to showcase some of the work that we’ve undertaken in this field. It’s been fantastic to work in collaboration with West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Scouts to develop a programme of activity that’s fun, interactive and helps to educate and empower young people about the importance of implementing basic crime prevention measures."

Sam Wakefield, Deputy County Youth Commissioner, based in Huddersfield said: "This partnership is a great example of the Scout Associations Community Initiative 'A Million Hands' in action, raising awareness of crime prevention with our young people through activities that are fun and interactive so that they can make a real difference in their community and educate others in the importance of crime prevention. The cubs had a fantastic time with all the different activities."

Cubs Doing Crime Prevention. West Yorkshire Police Training Centre, Carr Gate Wakefield