TEENAGERS aged 14 and 15 are most at risk from the prospect of being mugged in the street.

But to combat that fear, police are issuing hundreds of youngsters at 14 local high schools with a safety booklet.

Published by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the national charity for personal safety, it contains vital tips on safety which could drastically reduce the chances of youngsters falling victim to street crime - or "taxing" as teenagers describe it.

The initiative, launched by Bury police and funded by the Greater Manchester Shrievalty Police Trust, follows the results of a special survey.

PC George Evans, Bury police schools liaison officer, explained: "The survey, carried out at eight Bury high schools, concerned incidents of street crime.

"The results of the survey showed the most at risk group to be those aged14 and 15 ."

The personal safety initiative now under way will target that age group and run until July next year.

Added PC Evans: "The purpose will be to raise the level of awareness among the young people when out and about on foot and using public transport.

"It also looks at the use of personal safety alarms. At the end of each session, each student will be able to put into practice their own personal safety plan when out and about."

The sessions last for one hour and will involve PC Evans presenting 65 talks in 14 high schools throughout the borough.

At the end of each session, every pupil will be given a copy of the booklet, entitled "On the Street? Well, Get Street Wise."

It advises youngsters to avoid danger spots, to walk with a friend, never to accept lifts as well as highlighting other important personal safety aspects.

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