Kids learn about bogus callers

Teachers can help kids stay safe at the touch of a button thanks to a new partnership website.

The Knock Knock Who's There website provides information which primary school teachers can use in the classroom to improve children's awareness of doorstep crime.

The website also boasts fun games and activities for young people along with practical tips for staying safe and guidance on what to do if a stranger calls at the door.

Lesley Allen, who has led the project which saw the creation of the website, said: "We're really pleased with the site. It's simple, easy to use and hopefully appealing to both young people and teachers.

"It's going to be in place for a year initially and it would be great if teachers all across Greater Manchester paid it a visit and accessed some of the resources. I'm sure they'll agree the material can be a big help when it comes to teaching safety issues."

Funding for the website has been provided by Greater Manchester Against Crime (GMAC), Greater Manchester Police Authority, the High Sheriff's Police Trust and United Utilities.

It has been developed to ensure the great work delivered to Year Six students in schools in Wigan and Bolton as part of a recent campaign is made available to all.

The campaign was called Knock Knock Who's There Bogus Caller Primary Schools Campaign.

Limited resources meant the doorstep safety lesson plans delivered as part of the campaign could only be delivered in priority areas which have previously been targeted by bogus callers.

Ms Allen, a Partnerships Officer for GMAC, said: "The campaign was very successful. Police Community Support Officers played a major role in helping deliver the lesson plans in classrooms.

"And a competition we ran as part of the project attracted lots of entries. Sadly, we didn't have enough resources to roll the campaign out across all boroughs but the website will ensure all schools have an opportunity to get involved in improving the safety of young people."

• www.knockknockwhosthere.net