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16/04/2009
Police scheme sees drop in youth crime
A police-organised scheme aimed at increasing fitness among young people in Chesterfield has been such a huge success that crime in some areas of the city has dropped significantly.
The hour-long Ozbox skills sessions are aimed at young people between the ages of eleven and nineteen, and are delivered by ABAE trainers in schools and youth clubs. Those who enjoy the sessions and want to take their interest further are then offered the option to join their local ABAE club.
Steve Osbaldeston, who founded the scheme, says that sessions were so popular that he had to open up his own boxing club. In fact, in known 'hot spots', calls for service to the police dropped significantly while the scheme was running.
Mr Creedon, Chief Constable for Derbyshire, has called for sessions to be introduced into all 92 schools in the county, as part of the force's diversionary tactics. The Chief Constable also donated four Vivaro vans and a minibus to the cause. Local councils and partners have helped raise funds for boxing equipment to fill the vans, which are ready to deliver to associated clubs across the country. ABAE regional coaches travelled from their base in Tamworth to Chesterfield police station, to train 40 police officers, PCSOs and volunteers, who will now take their expertise to schools and youth clubs.
As well as offering a lifeline to youngsters with nowhere to go in the evenings, the scheme is helping target and influence younger children. Steve Osbaldeston said: "We have just finished an eight-week course for the youngsters of Sinfin primary school at the request of the school's head teacher. The gang lifestyle is being glamorised to these youngsters and we intend to stop this."
The Ozbox team have recently helped with the setting up of a new club in the city. Derby City Boxing Academy is based on Stockbrook Street and is run by ABAE coach Alex Neave.