Bouncy castle fun is all part of the initiative Pic: Shimelle Laine, Flickr
Bouncy castles, dance classes and food stalls have been organised by Tower Hamlets police in a bid to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour over the summer.
The Summer Night Lights scheme, now in its second year, will be held at various locations throughout the borough. The police have teamed up with local authority youth services, London Fire Brigade, Victim Support, social housing landlords and other organisations. It is hoped the initiative will help tackle violence, create positive ties in the local area and reassure more vulnerable residents.
Originally launched in Los Angeles in 2008, the aim of the scheme was to provide community activities during peak offending times over the summer holidays. The events now running in Tower Hamlets will be held between 5pm-10pm on selected evenings until September 5.
Nine venues throughout the area will be used during the eight-week scheme. Eighteen events will be held and activities will include bouncy castles, karate displays, fairground activities, wall climbing, dance classes, boxing and graffiti projects as well as many competitions and information stalls.
The police hope thousands will come along to the events Pic: Twitter
Chief Inspector Mark Long of Tower Hamlets Safer Neighbourhoods teams, said: “This scheme proved extremely successful last year with more than 10,000 people in attendance from all generations and communities and I hope that this year will attract even more.
“All events will be accompanied with food – a tried and tested way to encourage the community to come together.
“Local officers from Tower Hamlets will be on site and available to engage with residents on any police-related matters such as anti-social behaviour or crime issues.
“In addition to this officers will also be taking part in the organised community events where we will have some of our equipment and support services on show to demonstrate the complexity of policing today.”
• For more details of dates and venues click here.
