Merseyside Police forms unique partnership to help steer young people away from antisocial behaviour

A new and unlikely partnership has been developing across the last two months between a local former Commonwealth boxing medallist, a Britain’s Got Talent dance troupe leader, and Merseyside Police.

Tom Stalker and Miguel Doforo have been working with Merseyside Police in Knowsley to encourage young people to follow their passion and divert them from falling into criminal activity and antisocial behaviour.

Stalker’s gym, founded by GB Boxing squad Captain Tom Stalker, always a haven for young people interested in boxing, recently offered up its space to Miguel, director of the MD dance group, to host dance sessions for local young people.

Local Policing Inspector, Jennifer Murray, says there is a direct link between diversionary activities such as gym and dance classes working alongside the police and reductions in antisocial behaviour. She said:

“Bonfire night is a really exciting time for kids, but it’s also a time when it’s really easy for them to get drawn into antisocial behaviour. As a force we’ve put ten thousand pounds specifically into diversionary activities around this time of year because we know, from partnerships like this, that diversionary activities work.

“At this time of year, you can’t really overstate how important places like Stalker’s are for young people. Tom and Miguel are both local, so they know the pressures young people can face and how they could get drawn into antisocial behaviour.

“For them to see Tom, who grew up facing the same challenges they’re facing, but turned all that passion towards achieving these exceptional things – it’s the role model they need.

“And to have Miguel, who’s been on TV and led kids to all these great things offering dance here… it’s amazing. I think of Tom and Miguel as Knowsley’s answer to Billy Elliot.

“The gym isn’t just a business that happens to be in an area where the kids need more to do – Tom and Miguel are unbelievably proactive. If I’ve got a group of kids whose names keep cropping up –perhaps often out late and at risk – I can call up Tom and Miguel and see if there’s anything they think they could offer them.

“Because they do dance, as well as boxing and general fitness, we can be quite confident that there’ll be something on offer they’ll be interested in.

“The kids don’t really want to listen to us as the police –but will listen to people like Tom and Miguel – who’ve lived what they’re living.”

Superintendent Dawn McNally, operational lead for the Halloween and Bonfire period, stressed the importance of diversionary activities for young people across the region. She said:

“This is a brilliant example of the sort of collaborative working where the community really benefits. I know there’s been a huge push by Local Policing teams and the force’s Community Engagement Unit in the run up to Bonfire night to support initiatives that will give young people something fun and positive to do. I’d really urge parents and carers to have a look at what activities are taking place near them.

“Firework misuse is a real cause for concern at this time of year. Our licencing team have been incredibly busy helping to ensure that fireworks are sold safely and responsibly. If anyone has any concerns about retailers not storing or selling fireworks safely, or selling them to anyone underage, I’d urge them to report it on our website.”