SUTTON: Police bribe kids to be good

8:19am Thursday 24th July 2008

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Police are bribing schoolchildren to be good with Big Macs, stuffed crust pizzas, computer games and new clothes.

In the first scheme of its kind in the UK, Sutton police will hand out Positive Citizen cards to children which give discounts at major high street stores in the town centre.

Cardholders caught misbehaving will lose their privileges, which are being funded by chains such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Zavvi and New Look Police officers will also escort young people on discounted visits to the bowling alley or cinema in an attempt to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Good behaviour bribes include: Sutton Empire Cinema - £4.25 entry, instead of £7.50 Sutton Superbowl - £3 per game, instead of £4.50 McDonald's - staff discount rates Pizza Hut - 10 per cent off Zavvi - 10 per cent off New Look - 10 per cent off Topshop - 10 per cent off Officers are convinced there will be positive results with their unique approach.

Sergeant Stuart Taylor-Bard, of the Sutton central safer neighbourhood team, said: "This is an exciting and innovative scheme and we want to give youngsters who live in the town centre the opportunity to make the most of its many discounts and benefits.

"It will encourage them to get to know us and give us the opportunity to work together to develop new projects in the future."

The photo cards are initially being issued only to children aged 12 to 17 on the Benhill Estate and streets around Sutton town centre.

Those hoping to plunder shops for bargains may face a little disappointment. The cards can be used in McDonald's and Pizza Hut only once a day.

Emily Fahey, the town centre manger, said: "The scheme is brilliant news for the town centre because the discounts encourage positive behaviour and make the area a more attractive place for young people to spend time and money constructively.

"This creates a more pleasant environment for us all. We are delighted with the positive response and are working through the town centre traders' forum to sign up more businesses."

The incentives are unlikely to find favour with everyone. Healthy eating campaigners may be dismayed that pupils are being encouraged to spend cash in fast food outlets.

But children will at least find it easier to get their "five portions a day" - that's one Big Mac, a Meat Feast, chicken nuggets, fries and a Pepsi Max.

Application packs for the photo membership cards are available from the front office of Sutton police station in Carshalton Road.