Personal safety during daily journeys will be the focus of a campaign taking place across the Rochdale area next week.
The Rochdale Division of Greater Manchester Police is promoting safety awareness through a series of events.
Key security messages and educational presentations will be given in order to safeguard members of the public against potential dangers.
The Neighbourhood Policing Teams will also be talking to secondary school students throughout next week to increase alertness regarding abuse and child sexual exploitation.
Chief Inspector Andrew Aston said: “2013’s Personal Safety Week of Action was a huge success, reaching thousands of people.
“We are continuing to support the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and have decided to repeat the week of action – we see the value of doing this and are trying to reach as many people as possible.
“The week is about raising awareness of personal safety and making sure people are a bit more vigilant.”
The campaign in Rochdale coincides with Monday’s National Personal Safety Day, which is an annual event organised by the aforementioned Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
Suzy Lamplugh was 25-years-old when she went missing in West London in 1986. Her body was never found and she was officially declared dead, presumed murdered in 1994.
The Trust was set up to campaign, educate and support family and friends of missing people while also helping people avoid becoming victims of aggression.
This year’s National Personal Safety Day theme is ‘From Door to Door’, highlighting simple methods and actions that everyone can employ to protect themselves during day-to-day journeys.
Rochdale Police Division have expanded upon this single day of campaigning, planning a full week of action running from October Saturday 4 until Sunday 12.
Rochdale Football Club has also added its support to the awareness-raising drive.
Both Rochdale and opponents Barnsley will wear specially designed T-shirts in the warm-up before this weekend’s fixture at Spotland Stadium.
The T-shirts will bear the messages ‘End The Fear’ and ‘Door 2 Door’ promoting this year’s operation.
Image courtesy of Steven Canfield Crowley, via YouTube, with thanks
