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During the school holidays, PCYC Bundaberg and Bundaberg Police have actively engaged with young people in different capacities to increase positive engagements and reduce antisocial behaviour.

Led by Sergeant John Kendall, alongside Police Liaison Officers (PLO) Hami Shelford and Geteno George, the team conducted regular drop ins at shopping centres and skate parks in Bundaberg, which are locations often attended by young people.

The local skatepark became a regular stop for the officers, being the gathering area for many high-risk youths who were disengaged from authority.

After regular visits, they noticed a shift in the attitudes of the young people and were able to establish positive relationships.

The team also conducted the PCYC Holiday Drop-in Program for at risk youth who often have suffer with a lack in self-confidence and self-belief.

The program allows police to engage with young people one-on-one along with running group boxing and other activities.

By the end of the day the young people had increased in confidence and were already engaging in a much more positive way with police.

The team will continue the program until the end of the holiday period.

Sergeant John Kendall emphasised the importance of engaging with youths over the holiday period, where kids don’t have school to occupy their time.

“The PLOs and I made a conscious effort to get out and engage with young people to not only reduce offending, but to build positive relationships between youth and police,” Sergeant Kendall said.

“The combination of a positive police presence in the community and running these PCYC programs, I feel we are making a real difference in these kids’ lives and making the community safer.

“The progress we’ve made with the youth of Bundaberg so far has been very positive and we really want to continue this presence until the end of school holidays and beyond.”