Police to play sport at Luton schools

The team will take part in sports lessons all day

Teams of police will take part in PE lessons at high schools in Luton in a scheme designed to cut down on anti-social behaviour.

The officers will wear kit emblazoned with their names to make them "more approachable" and build trust and confidence, Bedfordshire Police said.

It hopes it will make teenagers avoid crime and report incidents.

Pc Carl Perri said visiting just three schools in the east of the city will help them access 5,000 young people.

He said police come in contact with teenagers on a daily basis but only get to know those who are already involved in anti-social behaviour and crime.

'At their level'

"We will be visiting Ashcroft, Stopsley and Putteridge schools once every two months," he added.

"We will go in as a team of five or six, dressed in the football kits with our names and numbers on show, ready to participate in sports lessons for the entire day.

"If children see police officers and community support officers participating it is hoped they will see us in a new light - as regular people who aren't at that time in uniform demanding respect through authority.

"We will be at their level doing what they do and ready to listen to what they have to say."

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