The search is on for the new face of Nightsafe, Blackpool’ initiative tackling alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour.
Originally launched in September 2003, Nightsafe and its associated marketing campaign have made a significant impact on violent crime in Blackpool, so far this year achieving a reduction of almost eight per cent.<br><br>Superintendent Richard Debicki said, “Our original model, Rachel, proved to be very successful in getting our message of ‘have fun but stay safe’ over to our target group 18 to 25 age group. However it’s now time to rethink the campaign and we’ve decided to have not just the one face of Nightsafe but maybe four or five so that our message reaches the widest range of young people.<br><br>“I don’t underestimate the influence that the Nightsafe campaign has had. I’m confident that a traditional police safety message would never have worked. But young people are far more likely to be able to get through to other young people. They can identify with one another and are far better able to put across a message around safe drinking.<br><br>“We’re looking for people who are willing to help us with this, it might appeal to aspiring models to build up their portfolio, people considering a career in acting, students who might find this useful as part of their course of study or any people local who thinks that they’ve got what it takes and want to make a difference.<br><br>“We are planning to hold photographic auditions for the new faces of Nightsafe on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th July between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm if you think you could rise to the challenge come along and see us. Ideally we are looking for local young people, male and well as female, who are or appear to be in our target age group.”
Meanwhile as part of th Nightsafe scheme, Blackpool police are launching a new Code of Conduct card.
The Nightsafe card aims to be welcoming whilst still letting people know that any inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with. The card says;
Welcome to Blackpool
Enjoy yourselves in a responsible manner
Respect the town and other visitors
If you act inappropriately you will be dealt with by the police accordingly.
Blackpool is one of the country’s 50 ‘Respect Action Areas’ which means that the police and their partners are proactively tackling bad behaviour. However being a family holiday resort, there is also a drive to nurture good behaviour and a friendly welcoming experience when visiting the town.
The vast majority of people have fun responsibly, with a small minority spoiling it for the others. Groups of people entering the town for the busy weekends over this coming summer will be met by police officers who will hand out the cards and advise of the town’s Respect agenda and the conduct we expect from people visiting the town centre. They will also be warned that any inappropriate behaviour will be met with swift police action.
Inspector Keith Ogle says, “We hope that the cards will remind people that this is a family resort and bad behaviour is unacceptable. We feel sure that by intervening early with groups of young people we will improve the standard of their behaviour and impact on offences such as woundings, common assaults, possession of offensive weapons, and racially aggravated offences.
“We also hope this will send out a clear message to families visiting that they have a right to enjoy their time here in Blackpool in a safe, crime-free environment without fear of being harassed, intimidated by groups of troublemakers.”
Cllr Maxine Callow, cabinet member for Regeneration and Tourism said: “Blackpool is proud to be the UK’s premier tourist resort, with as many as 10 million visits made to the town each year, and we are working hard to ensure new and existing visitors return again and again.
“We are working alongside local police to promote the message that Blackpool is a place of family fun; but for the sake of yourselves and others, please don’t over step the mark and ruin your stay.”
Ted Pierce who runs a local KFC franchise is fully supportive of the Code of Conduct Cards and is part funding the production of the cards. He said, “I feel very strongly that we should be able to take pride in our town and welcome visitors into an environment that is friendly and trouble free. That is why I am happy to support the police and their partners in their endeavours.”
