CSI comes to Oldham - today!

A portion of the Spindles shopping centre will be cordoned off to create a crime scene with a difference today (Tuesday) - as an ex-patrol cop helps to try and steer kids away from criminality.

Former bobby Steve Kenny, who served for 27 years with Greater Manchester Police and was responsible for keeping murder and other major crime scenes sterile, will use forensics, a mock interrogation, a demonstration of an arrest and even a trial, to introduce young people to the criminal justice system – and keep them out of it.

The event will also feature fingerprint techniques, training in how to use walkie-talkies and an explanation of the phonetic alphabet.

Steve runs UCAN, a social enterprise that builds stronger family relationships and dissuades young people from becoming involved in the likes of County Lines drug peddling.

Said Steve: “Some young people embark on a life of crime by stealing something small like sweets, often for the thrill of it.

"But theft is theft and once they have a criminal record they will find it hard to find work later on and will have to live with the stigma.

"We want this event to stop them making that choice and to remind those already involved in criminal behaviour that it is never too late to change.”

UCAN usually takes these messages to schools and Steve believes that the fight against antisocial behaviour should begin as early as primary school – before other influences set in.

Whilst The Spindles has excellent security, other malls have become hives for teenage criminality.

As well as acting as a deterrent, the former custody sergeant hopes the event might interest young people in a career on the right side of the law – as a police officer, probation, or prison officer, or indeed a barrister.

Steve has been helped with the event by social enterprise, Upturn, and their staff will be joining Laugh and Let Die comedy murder mystery actor Pete Gibson, in staging a mock trial to conclude proceedings.

Maria Williams, HR Director for Upturn, said: “Steve has been co-working in our new Hive business hub.

"This has enabled him to tap into a network of good causes with similar goals.

"Upturn aims to help some of the most disadvantaged people in Greater Manchester to gain work or qualifications.

"A criminal record would set them back years and prove a huge problem for their families.

"Every crime has a victim too, and we must dissuade young people from making poor choices.

"Steve’s event is an arresting way to do this, and we are right behind him!”

The Spindles CSI event takes place, at:

11am-2pm today (Tuesday)
Second floor,
Spindles Shopping Centre
George Street
Oldham
OL1 1HD

Learn more about Upturn at: www.upturn.org.uk 

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