Bracknell

Broken glass left on the ground can cause serious injuries and is a danger to the public. This is the hard-hitting message of two posters being distributed in the Bracknell area by police officers and crime reduction advisers.

The posters were designed by pupils at Easthampstead School in Great Hollands, Bracknell following a request by Chris Smith, Executive Officer of Sandhurst Town Council.

Everett Bentley, crime reduction adviser for Bracknell Forest local police area, said: “There is an ongoing problem with broken glass in the town’s parks and children’s playgrounds. Council staff are constantly having to clear it up, and we are concerned that someone could be seriously hurt.”

The problem is common in parks all over the Borough, hence Chris Smith’s appeal for help from the community. With over 800 reported incidents since April 2003, this is a serious community issue that requires a positive message and appropriate response.

Waitrose supermarket in Birch Hill, Bracknell is supporting the initiative by presenting the designer of each of the two posters with a £25 prize. Sandhurst Town Council has paid for the printing. Hundreds of the eye-catching posters will be distributed for display in local schools, youth centres, libraries, sports centres and other public places.

The posters are part of a joint project by community safety officers, licensing staff and Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators to reduce anti-social behaviour. Schools liaison officers PC Phil Bissell and PC Jan Collins will be visiting schools across Bracknell Forest to talk to pupils about the impact of anti-social behaviour, including the dangers of throwing away glass bottles in public open spaces.

Everett Bentley added: “Most people think of litter as an unsightly nuisance, but it can be a real danger. If a child falls on broken glass while playing, or a dog steps on it, they could suffer nasty cuts. We want to get the message across before there is a serious injury.”

The offence of ‘Leaving Litter’ (section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act statutory instrument (law) 1990) is a criminal offence and either the police or local authority can prosecute people who drop litter. Local authority officers and/or litter wardens can give an on-the-spot £75 fixed penalty notice for littering. Average fines are around £95 but can rise to a maximum of £2,500 if taken to court.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell