On Monday 4^th July, London’s 1^st CitySafe Awards took place at City Hall to recognise the achievements of 100 young people, who will be named CitySafe Champions.

The awards celebrated a dynamic community campaign led by London Citizens, in response to recent murders of teenagers on the streets of London. The event was attended by over 100 students aged ten to eighteen, teachers and community leaders, and  included the launch of a new guide for businesses to become “CitySafe Havens”, supported by the Mayor of London and Metropolitan Police.  Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor for Policing presented the awards and was joined by senior representatives of the Metropolitan Police, and South Wales Police

London Citizens’ CitySafe campaign was inspired by Barry and Margaret Mizen, whose son’s murder in 2008 shocked the capital.  It is also supported by the Litambola family whose son Bob Litambola was killed in Custom House in 2007.  Since its launch in 2009 at the O₂, the campaign has resulted in thousands of young people building links with their neighbours and leading efforts to combat crime in their local area. Through the campaign, shops and businesses become CitySafe Havens by pledging to report 100% of crime and antisocial behaviour to the police as well as offering their premises as places of refuge for young people in immediate danger.

The CitySafe Champions announced their Safer Summer programme due to take place between for July and September 2011. This involves several youth training academies across London, which are aimed at developing their skills in conflict resolution. To date, there are 250 CitySafe Havens in CitySafe Zones across south and east London, including Lewisham Town Hall. Boris Johnson declared City Hall the 200^th CitySafe Haven.

Kit Malthouse said: “There is no simple solution to stopping youth crime, but young people can play a tremendous part. The City Safe Champions demonstrate the positive impact anti-crime work has on the community, from galvanising the support of businesses to become safe havens, to building strong relationships with the police. I applaud each and every one of the youngsters for their tireless hard work, which could literally save lives.”

Barry Mizen said: Crime and anti social behaviour are blighting the lives of us all. Real change will only be achieved when we work together.  City Safe Havens are a good example of people working to build strong communities. We all stand to benefit because stronger communities are safer communities.