LANCASTER Police have launched a new initiative to reduce the reports of damage caused by youths playing football in the street.
The scheme involves replacing the traditional heavy footballs with softer lighter ones, thus reducing the noise levels associated with the balls striking objects and also reducing accidental damage caused to property.
Youngsters will be asked to
hand in their heavier balls in exchange for a special lighter one.
PC Neil Pigott, community beat manager for the Bulk Ward, said: "Last year we received 83 calls across the Bulk area alone related to youngsters playing football in the street, so we came up with the simple idea to reduce the noise nuisance and also reduce the potential for damage to property.
"We don't want to stop youngsters playing, so this seems like an excellent compromise."
The scheme has been made possible thanks to a donation from the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC)
The footballs can be obtained free of charge from any member of the neighbourhood policing teams who can be contacted on the Lancashire Police Station telephone number, 01524 633333, or at any of the Police And Community Together (PACT) meetings held in the Lancaster area.
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