Operation Vulcan spend a fun-filled day in the community of Derker
Operation Vulcan participated in a community event at Stoneleigh Park in Derker, aimed at improving police-community relations, particularly with young people. Activities included interactive stalls, vehicle tours, and crime prevention advice. The event was part of the council's holiday activities and organized by Friends of Stoneleigh Park.
Operation Vulcan Officers Connect with Derker Families at Community Event
Police officers brought their vehicles, uniforms and crime-fighting expertise to Stoneleigh Park this week as Operation Vulcan joined local families for a community engagement day.
Children climbed inside patrol vehicles, tested blue light systems and tried on police gear while meeting neighborhood officers and PCSOs during the council-sponsored holiday activity. The event, organized by Friends of Stoneleigh Park, gave youngsters hands-on experience with police equipment while learning about law enforcement’s role in community safety.
Interactive stalls offered crime prevention tips and life skills training as specialized teams demonstrated their capabilities to residents. The gathering aimed to strengthen bonds between police and the community while teaching youth how to avoid exploitation by criminal groups.
Detective Superintendent Jen Kelly emphasized the importance of positive police interactions: “We know the lasting impact contact with the police can have and it’s so important that we get it right. By hosting community events like this, we hope to break down barriers with young people and ensure they can avoid falling victim to crime or exploitation by opportunistic criminal gangs who often seek to recruit young people.”
The Derker event marked Operation Vulcan’s first community outreach since launching its latest initiative targeting area crime. Kelly noted officers received “really positive and valuable feedback from residents about the work we’re doing to tackle issues locally.”
Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, praised the approach: “It was great to see the Operation Vulcan Team out in action at Stoneleigh Park, as neighbourhood policing is about so much more than tackling crime. This team is building relationships and really getting to know people in the area, building that trust and growing understanding.”
The Vulcan team plans to continue similar community engagement efforts throughout their operation.
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