PCC-funded youth video to lift the lid on deliberate fires and their impact on businesses

A new youth video is in production to help raise awareness of deliberate fires and their impact on local businesses.

County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has provided funding to the tune of £15,900 for the project, led by Durham-based non-profit arts organisation Creative Youth Opportunities.

It forms part of a raft of proactive work by the Commissioner to prevent anti-social behaviour (ASB) and to increase support for communities impacted by nuisance behaviour.

The project comes after the successful launch of a previous youth video funded by the PCC in partnership with Durham County Council that explored ASB from all perspectives including how young people inadvertently get drawn into ASB and how the community and individuals perceive the behaviour.

‘A Day In The Life…’ focused on a vulnerable young person who was experiencing challenging emotional feelings which led to them drinking and acting out their anger and frustration externally.

Alongside portraying the perpetrator’s perspective, the video also examined how their behaviour was viewed from the outside and touched on issues of drug dealing, potential knife crime and criminal damage.

The PCC said storyboards for the new video have already been created and scripts are in development, with filming due to take place in the next few weeks.  

Joy Allen said: “I’m really excited to fund the new video and give our young audiences a further realistic insight into ASB and its potential for harm in our communities.

“We know the reasons why young people engage in ASB are complex, and this video – like the first – will not shy away from exploring those motives. But it will also portray the consequences very vividly so that young people understand the harm and psychological effects it brings on victims including local businesses.

“Deliberate fires not only put peoples' lives at risk they also divert fire crews away from other emergencies including potentially life-threatening incidents. What might seem like harmless fun can quickly escalate and could, at the very least, lead to a criminal record.  

“Hopefully, this video will make young people stop and think once they see the full repercussions of this behaviour,particularly how it impacts the victim.”

The 'A Day in the Life ...' video can be watched here:  https://youtu.be/lwbwY9J1C9s?si=3NiV_kI1JfyQ4l7p.

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