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 The BBC's Valerie Jones"Crash was played for real"  real 28k BBC Wales's Melanie Doel"As the unsuspecting youngsters arrived on the scene, some burst into tears"  real 28kKeith Towler, Welsh head of Nacro"Even though there are trained counsellors it is a risky, potentially dangerous approach" real 28k |
'Joy-riding' shock tactics defended
Emergency crews made the accident look real
The organisers of a scheme designed to teach young people about the dangers of so called "joy-riding" have defended the shock tactics they used.
Following the death last year of two youngsters in a stolen car in Merthyr Tydfil, emergency services staged a fake accident.
Following the death last year of two youngsters in a stolen car in Merthyr Tydfil, emergency services staged a fake accident.
 I know some people term it as a shock tactic.  |
Pc Alex Georgijev, who used to be Hawk in the TV series Gladiators |
Unsuspecting teenagers were taken to the scene to witness the carnage.
The accident was designed to appear very realistic as police, ambulance and fire officers battled to free four injured and bloodstained young people trapped following the "crash".
But critics say putting teenagers through such a traumatic experience was "risky and potentially dangerous".
The mock accident had been set up by charitable group Oasis which is running a project to try to cut car crime and so-called "joy-riding" offences.
The victims were supposed to have been in a stolen car which went out of control and hitting another.
Some of the unsuspecting youngsters arriving on the scene burst into tears.
Many knew one of the actors pretending to be hurt and one recognised his cousin as one of the "victims".
They were quickly told that it was all an exercise and were seen by counsellors.
Organisers defended the shock tactics saying it was the only thing that worked.
Pc Alex Georgijev, who used to be Hawk in the TV series Gladiators, and now patrols the beat in Merthyr, said: "I know some people term it as a shock tactic.
"This is the key age within the youth structure of Merthyr.
"Hopefully, the reactions they got today will feed down through their peer group and they will pass down on those reactions to others who could be involved in car crime."
But Keith Towler, Welsh head of the ex-offenders group Nacro, questioned the risks of taking teenagers to see an accident.
"I would question the judgement of putting young people through quite a traumatic experience," he said.
"Even though there are trained counsellors it is a very risky approach, potentially a dangerous approach.
"Car crime in Wales is at almost epedemic levels.
"I have some sympathy with people who are trying to do something quite dramatic to make amends.
"But I still question the potential risks."
The accident was designed to appear very realistic as police, ambulance and fire officers battled to free four injured and bloodstained young people trapped following the "crash".
But critics say putting teenagers through such a traumatic experience was "risky and potentially dangerous".
The mock accident had been set up by charitable group Oasis which is running a project to try to cut car crime and so-called "joy-riding" offences.
The victims were supposed to have been in a stolen car which went out of control and hitting another.
 Some needed counselling after seeing the 'accident' |
Many knew one of the actors pretending to be hurt and one recognised his cousin as one of the "victims".
They were quickly told that it was all an exercise and were seen by counsellors.
Organisers defended the shock tactics saying it was the only thing that worked.
Pc Alex Georgijev, who used to be Hawk in the TV series Gladiators, and now patrols the beat in Merthyr, said: "I know some people term it as a shock tactic.
"This is the key age within the youth structure of Merthyr.
"Hopefully, the reactions they got today will feed down through their peer group and they will pass down on those reactions to others who could be involved in car crime."
 Organiser Simon John said counsellors were on hand |
"I would question the judgement of putting young people through quite a traumatic experience," he said.
"Even though there are trained counsellors it is a very risky approach, potentially a dangerous approach.
"Car crime in Wales is at almost epedemic levels.
"I have some sympathy with people who are trying to do something quite dramatic to make amends.
"But I still question the potential risks."
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