Sandi Starfish launches in Cleethorpes

NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE

Heading to Cleethorpes beach this summer? Look out for Sandi Starfish when you’re visiting.

On Friday 24 May, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team officially launched Sandi Starfish in Cleethorpes in line with Operation Coastline.

Each year, our coastal towns and beaches see an increase in visitors which makes it all too easy to for loved ones to become separated from one another.

The aim of the Sandi Starfish initiative is to prevent incidents like this from happening, and reunite children, or vulnerable people, with their parents, carer or guardian should they become separated.

When visiting the Cleethorpes coast, you will be able to obtain a free wristband from different locations across the seafront, which you can then write your name and phone number on the inside of. There will also be a number of brightly coloured flags, in easily recognisable locations, for the children or vulnerable adult to go if they are lost or confused.

Sergeant Shaun Pattinson, from the local neighbourhood team, said: “We’re really happy to see the launch of the initiative in our area, to ensure children and vulnerable adults stay safe when they are visiting our area.

“Over the busier months, we do see an increase in children and vulnerable adults going missing which we know causes huge distress for everyone involved.

“By bringing Sandi Starfish into action, we will hopefully be able to prevent this from happening as often or make it easier to reunite families.

“We would also ask that, as well as taking a free wristband, visitors also take a photo of their child on the day. This is a really big help as it provides officers with a better understanding of what the child is wearing if they do go missing.

“There is also a “Sandi” network which will operate as part of the initiative. This includes several community members and businesses who have been specially selected to be involved with the scheme. They will be putting flags outside their businesses when they are open, to help provide extra locations for children or vulnerable adults to go to should they become separated.