Salford school kids produce film aimed at tackling gang crime
Police and Crimestoppers join forces with pupils It’s gritty, dramatic, deals with gangs and domestic abuse – and the entire film is the work of teenagers in Salford.
Last updated 28th Feb 2017
Pupils in Salford have teamed up with Greater Manchester Police and Crimestoppers to produce a film aimed at tackling gang crime.
Fearless, a new 20 minute drama tells the story of one young woman’s ordeal at the hands of her gang member boyfriend and how an anonymous report to Crimestoppers helps her regain her life.
It was written, performed, filmed and edited entirely by young people from Salford, backed by Salford City Council, Greater Manchester Police, charity Crimestoppers which allows people to pass on crime information completely anonymously and the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner.
And tonight (Tuesday Feb 28) it will be given a red carpet premiere in the city which created it.
Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “Over 150 high school pupils spent two months working with a theatre company last year exploring the impact of gangs on their local communities.
“Young people said loud and clear that gangs ruin lives and communities and then created thought-provoking performances to ‘Stand up for Salford.’ It’s about showing young people that they too can stand up against criminals in their city.”
Harrop Fold’s drama was chosen to be filmed for the Crimestoppers website and it has been brought to life by students from UTC@MediaCity who handled everything from choosing the actors to lighting, editing and the musical score.
Inspector Dave Turner from GMP’s Project Gulf said: “The Fearless film is great for engaging young people, and projecting positive messages across to them.
“We’re fully aware that there are young people who have information on crimes, whether these crimes have happened already or are planned for the future.
“This film demonstrates exactly how they can report the information to the police, safely and most importantly, anonymously.
“The young people of today are our future and this is why we’re investing in educating and assisting them to help make Salford a better and safer place for everyone.
“Greater Manchester Police is committed to working with all of our partners to send a very clear message to anyone involved in organised and gang crime: we will find you, and you will be held accountable for your actions, however long after the crime is committed.”
Gary Murray, Crimestoppers Regional Manager said: “Crimestoppers are proud to support the premier of the Fearless film, helping to remind and educate young people that they too have the option to report crime anonymously.
“The film clearly demonstrates how Crimestoppers, and Fearless.org, our online resource for young people and youth workers, can help young people to seek the advice and assistance required in situations when either they or someone they know are at risk.
“The option to now report crime anonymously online as well as the traditional phone call, further enables young people to help keep Salford safe.”
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “This powerful film shows the devastating impact gang culture can have on our communities.
“The young people who have created it must be applauded for their creativity and the empowering message they are sending to those who feel trapped at the mercy of gangs that you can safely speak out and bring them down.
“I encourage those with intelligence about any crime to pass it on. Information from the community is a vital tool in tackling organised crime and thanks to the fantastic work of Crimestoppers, victims can safely and anonymously help us to do that.”