Crime ideas for the Dragons

by Andy McCorkell

A dragon's den themed competition will challenge the borough's best young people to come up with ideas to beat crime.

Brent Police in partnership with Brent Youth Parliament and Brent Community Safety Board launched the competition for 13 to 19-year-olds, who live or go to school in Brent.

Young people must devise innovative ideas on how to reduce youth crime and make youngsters feel safe in the borough - the best idea will win �6,000 to make their concept a reality.

Insp Neil Anderson, who heads up Brent Police's Safer Neighbourhoods, North said: "I meet lots of young people who have some great ideas about how to stop young people engaging in crime, I thought by using the Dragons' Den format we could give young people the opportunity to pitch their ideas and roll them out for real."

The shortlisted groups will get the opportunity to do a five-minute presentation in front of Brent's very own Dragons' panel and the winning group will get �6,000 to implement their idea.

Insp Anderson added: "If you have any ideas of how to prevent young people becoming involved in crime, joining gangs or carrying knives, our dragons want to hear about them.

"In particular, we are looking for ideas, which help promote positive images of young people, or initiatives that would improve your environment and make you feel safer in Brent.

"We are working with our Safer Schools Officers, Youth Engagement Team and Brent Youth Parliament to encourage young people in Brent to take part. We are also pleased that this initiative has gained the support of all three of our local papers."

A presentation evening will be held on March 30 from 5pm to 7.30pm at The Advait Centre, Forty Avenue, Wembley.

A minimum group size of three should contact Insp Anderson for an application form on 07768 500 031 or email Neil.Anderson2@ met.police.uk before March 9.

andrew.mccorkell@archant.co.uk