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Police in tune with teenagers night of music

Press Releases

Published: 10/07/2009

More than 200 teenagers on the Isle of Wight revelled in the latest in a string of music events supported by Hampshire Constabulary to provide a safe and enjoyable night out for young people.

13 to 18-year-olds from across the Island attended the latest ‘Band Nite’ event at St. George’s Park in Newport on the evening of Friday, July 3, 2009. 

The evening featured music from Isle of Wight acts including Crossing The Line, The Fuse, Bright As Vegas, Dan Barker and Wooden Bullets, and entertainment in the form of inflatable gladiator jousting.  

Advice and support on personal safety, crime prevention and healthy living was available at St. George’s Park from Hampshire Constabulary, Isle of Wight Council's Get Sorted substance misuse service for under 19s, the local authority's Connexions advice service for young people and the Isle of Wight NHS Public Health Sexual Health team.

A condition of entry was no alcohol or drugs. Police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from the Newport North and South Safer Neighbourhoods Teams carried out checks at the entrance to St. George's Park. There were no reported problems, and no alcohol or illegal substances were found or seized at the event.

July 3 was the sixth Band Nite, which started in spring 2008 as a result of conversations between Newport PCSO Andy Brown and youth and community worker Pete Luther from the Castlehold Baptist Church in Newport .

PCSO Andy Brown of the Newport South Safer Neighbourhoods Team said:  “It is a priority for police to work with children and teenagers so they are a vital part of the community’s efforts to keep crime down. Those at Friday’s Band Nite again proved how a night out can be enjoyed safely and responsibly. Many parents took their children to the event so they knew where they would be for the evening. This is a key theme of Hampshire Constabulary’s campaign to prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour involving all ages this summer. In no way are we saying that every child will become involved in anti-social behaviour this summer, however there will be a minority who will, and we are encouraging young people to respect others in their community.”

Youth and community worker Pete Luther said: “Band Nite is an opportunity for us to connect with young people through music, it provides something positive and enjoyable to do, and helps them to feel valued.”

Two more Band Nites are scheduled to take place at St. George’s Park, Newport on September 4 and November 6 this year.

For more information, contact PCSO Andy Brown at Newport Police Station by phoning 101 or 0845 045 45 45.

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