Former Cop Turns Spindles Shopping Centre into Crime Scene to Steer Kids Away from Criminality

A section of the Spindles shopping centre in Oldham has been transformed into an interactive crime scene today as former police officer Steve Kenny uses his 27 years of experience with Greater Manchester Police to show young people the harsh realities of criminal life. Kenny, who spent his career securing murder and major crime scenes, is demonstrating forensics techniques, conducting mock interrogations, and staging arrests to introduce youth to the criminal justice system - with the goal of keeping them out of it.

The unique event, running from 11am to 2pm on the shopping centre’s second floor, features fingerprinting workshops, walkie-talkie training, and phonetic alphabet lessons. Kenny runs UCAN, a social enterprise focused on building stronger family relationships and preventing youth involvement in County Lines drug operations. “Some young people embark on a life of crime by stealing something small like sweets, often for the thrill of it,” Kenny explained. “But theft is theft and once they have a criminal record they will find it hard to find work later on and will have to live with the stigma.”

The initiative, supported by social enterprise Upturn, concludes with a mock trial featuring Laugh and Let Die comedy murder mystery actor Pete Gibson. Maria Williams, HR Director for Upturn, emphasized the importance of early intervention: “A criminal record would set them back years and prove a huge problem for their families. Every crime has a victim too, and we must dissuade young people from making poor choices.” While The Spindles maintains excellent security, Kenny notes that other malls have become hotspots for teenage criminality, making this preventive approach crucial for steering youth toward legitimate career paths in law enforcement or legal professions.

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