Pupils Learn From Crime Scene

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Children at Wincanton Primary had a close-up view of police work when the school grounds were turned into a crime scene as part of a citizenship project last week. Year 5 and 6 children started their school day as normal on Wednesday but had no idea the dummy crime scene had been set up by teachers and police officers.

Toys were turned upside down and a shed was dismantled by Police Community Support Officer Dan Arthur posing as a vandal, leaving behind a pair of gloves and screwdriver at the "crime scene". They then watched PCSOs Thelma Mead and Tim Russell carry out their investigation and bring in sniffer dog Kessie to track down the fake criminal.

Deputy headteacher Sarah Martin said: "It was a useful experience because the school was broken into last year and we had some disco equipment stolen, so it was good for the children to see how the police go about solving crimes. They were fascinated about the whole experience and they were very quick to speak to the police to tell them what they had seen to help them find the fake criminal."

PCSO Jenny Maynard showed the 10 and 11-year-old children how fingerprints were used to trace criminals and how they could use the footprints left behind in the sandpit by the offender to help identify him.

"The children were totally fascinated with how the dog handler PC Louise Grabham and Kessie work together," she said. The demonstration showed how essential our trained dogs are to help the police solve crimes. I think this way of learning is a brilliant way to get the children's imaginations going and to get them passionate about their work."

Article first published in the Western Gazette

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