Toxteth teen Khan Odita wins prestigious National Crimebeat Award

Khan Odita, a local 16-year-old from Toxteth, has emerged triumphant, clinching first prize at the prestigious National Crimebeat awards for his outstanding community garden project.

The National Crimebeat awards, held last night, March 19, 2024, celebrated the exceptional efforts of young individuals in crime prevention initiatives across the country.

Back in October 2023, Merseyside Police shone a light on Khan, who at the age of 14, set up the Mulgrave Street Action Group (MSAG) to help improve the streets of his local community. Khan’s first project ‘UrbanScape,’ helped to transform a fly-tipping hotspot into a multi-purpose, modern, community greenspace.

Since Constable Rachael Moorcroft, a local community police officer first met Khan at a MSAG clean-up action day, she has continued to be impressed by all the work Khan does to improve his community. So together with the support from the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Ruth Hussey, Rachael nominated Khan for this year’s National Crimebeat Awards.

Khan Odita at the National Crimebeat Awards

National Crimebeat is the youth crime prevention charity of the High Sheriffs’ Association, and the awards give recognition to the most innovative and successful crime prevention projects conducted by young people aged between five and 25 years old.

Judges invited six of the best crime prevention projects to attend the awards ceremony in London with each having to make a short presentation, introducing their work, and describing what they have achieved.

Khan not only won first prize out of the six national entrants, but he also won the best presentation on the day for which he received prize money, a trophy, and a certificate.

Mulgrave Street Action Group. Image provided by Merseyside Police — Mulgrave Street Action Group UrbanScape. Image provided by Merseyside Police

Khan said:

“I was dumbfounded to win, not just first place on behalf of UrbanScape but to also take home the award for the best presentation!

“I was ready to go home with nothing as being a finalist in an honour enough, so I would like to send a huge thank you to all the Mulgrave Street Action Group supporters!”

Rachael Moorcroft, who nominated Khan for the award, said:

“Khan is an exceptional young man. I am so proud to see the work he has done for the L8 community not only recognised on a local level but on a national level now too.

“It is inspiring to see that a young person can inspire other young people to achieve what he has. Khan was up against some excellent competition, and the fact that he won this award is a testament to his drive and determination.

“I would also like to thank our High Sherriff Ruth Hussey for her support and for nominating Khan, along with Khan’s mum Natasha who accompanied us on our trip to London.”