Legal News

West Lancashire County Council has launched film starring West Lancashire teenagers, which warns young people about the dangers of getting involved in gang culture.

The film is to be shown in schools across the county – and Crossing the Line shows the risks and consequences of joining organised crime gangs. The film aims to discourage young people from getting involved in crime and gang culture.

The original idea for a film came after a meeting between West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) and Detective Superintendent Simon Giles, to discuss new and innovative ways of engaging with young people on these themes.

WLCSP commissioned the Artz Centre in Birch Green to script and produce the film – and funding was provided by the Office of the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner.

The film has been shown to pupils in schools across West Lancashire over the last 12 months – Lancashire Police are now planning to show it in schools across the county.

Approximately 1,500 pupils have received the education package during this academic year – and the project will be delivered in the next academic year through the Police Early Action Team, to reach as many young people as possible.

Detective Chief Superintendent Susannah Clarke from Lancashire Police said:

“It is vitally important that we seek to protect and support young people who are vulnerable to becoming involved with street gangs and organised criminality.

“The cast and crew on Crossing the Line can be very proud of what they have produced – and the film has been very well received in schools across West Lancashire.

“We believe it will be a great success throughout the county and the important messages it contains will resonate with young people.”

Portfolio holder for Health and Community Safety, Councillor Kevin Wright, added:

“I am delighted that the police are looking to take the film into schools across Lancashire – hopefully, this will ensure teenagers and even younger children are more informed on this subject and to deter them away from becoming involved in organised crime.”

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said:

“One of my key priorities under the police and crime plan is stopping people getting involved in crime – and we know that this prevention work has most impact when we engage with people early on.

“I was really pleased to support this film where young people have played a key role in its creation, helping others understand the devastating consequences of getting involved in crime.

“The more young people who are able to access this innovative resource the better.”

The film has mostly been aimed at Year 8 pupils, as they have been identified as the age group most likely to benefit from seeing the film.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers – Gang Crime

Duncan Lewis can advise at any stage a charge involving gang crime, including violent crime, such as manslaughter, murder, attempted murder, robbery with violence, gun crime, knife crime, acid attacks, drugs offences, rape and ABH/GBH or assault.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on charges relating to gang crime, drugs offences or violent crime, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.