Charity slams police reward scheme

A new police scheme which offers teenagers rewards including discounts on junk food in return for good behaviour has been dismissed as "appalling" by a diabetes charity.

Linda Voss, from the EarlyBird Diabetes Trust, said giving youngsters burgers or pizzas in return for good behaviour could draw them into a cycle of being overweight and inactive.

Positive Citizen Cards were launched by Sutton Police on Monday, offering teenagers privileges at a number of stores in return for signing a good behaviour contract.

A Scotland Yard spokesman defended the scheme saying: "What people choose to eat is a matter for them and not a police matter."

Ms Voss said: "It's difficult enough to wean children off junk food. While I can't imagine a voucher for a fruit and veg stall going down very well, if they could restrict it to clothes or records stores that would be great.

"We're all surrounded by junk food and some people are more susceptible than others and it's very hard to resist. Kids put on weight and then they don't want to be active.

"It's not a good idea. It's like giving sweets to children who have been good. We've got to teach youngsters how to eat healthily."

The Sutton Police pilot scheme gives discounts on cinema tickets, DIY courses at B&Q, and 10% discounts at other shops including New Look and Top Shop and restaurants McDonald's and Pizza Hut.

In return, card holders must sign a good behaviour contract and go to events such as local youth panels.

Chief Inspector Dave Gair said: "It's a new and innovative way of getting young people involved in meaningful activity and breaking down barriers between them and local police."

Share this article

Send this article to a friend »

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Reddit
• Facebook
• StumbleUpon

What are these?