CROYDON: Pastors patrol bus routes

8:10am Tuesday 15th April 2008

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Pastors are set to board Croydon buses to help control unruly schoolchildren and teenagers.

The religious volunteers - or "school pastors" - will also attempt to turn young people involved in crime away from breaking the law and into studying the Bible.

“A lot of the problems start at 13 when young men especially have identity issues and they try and establish their manhood. Unfortunately, this is often done by breaking the law.”

Frederick Clarke

The scheme will be launched in the summer and will be led by The Ascension Trust's director, Reverend Les Isaacs. It will be launched in the Purley area and supported by police.

Detective Inspector Jacquie Hands said it would involve faith and community groups providing support on bus routes into the town centre and be co-ordinated by the Salvation Army.

The idea is a spin-off from the Street Pastors - 16 volunteers who tour Croydon's streets trying to get to know young people better.

Rev Isaacs said: "I think our courts too readily hand out sentences to our youngsters, rather than looking for alternatives within the community to help them go through the most difficult adolescent period.

"There is a lot that needs to be done."

The Ascension Trust was founded in 1993 by Rev Isaacs who wanted to see individuals working effectively within their local churches and communities.

Similar schemes to target youth crime in the borough are being set up by Croydon's Mighty Men of Valour. According to its director Frederick Clarke, the initiatives will help faith groups reduce crime in the borough and surrounding areas.

Mr Clarke welcomed the school pastors bus plan but called for young people to be targeted much earlier - when they begin primary school.

He said: "I have no doubt that this idea will help reduce crime and I really hope it does. However, I do believe targeting people in secondary school and later may be a little late.

"A lot of the problems start at 13 when young men especially have identity issues and they try and establish their manhood. Unfortunately, this is often done by breaking the law."