Police a hard-hitting video highlighting the impact of car crime in Aberdeen is to be produced by a BAFTA nominee.
Spearheaded by the Aberdeen Community Safety Partnership, Impact Aberdeen will tell the story of a single-mother whose area is plagued by antisocial behaviour, only to find her daughter starts a relationship with a local car thief.
Auditions have been held at the Belmont Cinema and BAFTA Scotland New Talent nominee Andrew O’Connor has been appointed as director of photography.
Sara Stroud of the project’s production firm Station House Media, said: “The film if going to focus on the consequences of this sort of crime – how it affects a community when a car is run around all night and set on fire.
“Tragic things can happen when bikes and cars are stolen – young people are behind the wheel who can’t drive and don’t have the skills.”
Created in association with Police Scotland and Northfield Youth Action group, the film has a number of roles left to be filled with more auditions to be held.
Once completed, it will be shown to young people in schools across the city, with the footage combined with ‘talking heads’ giving a perspective from the police, ambulance crews and the community.
Ms Stroud said: “We wanted to show this is a cycle of behaviour and it’s not one that’s easy to break. If you want to get away from it you almost have to start a new life – you have to find a new circle of friends.”
Part of the research for the film, which is sponsored by MAERSK, involved speaking to ex-offenders about their experiences.
Community Policing Inspector Neil Wallace said: “There’s a real need to try and make a difference and give young people the knowledge they need to make sensible choices rather than out themselves in danger.
“Motorbikes are a particular issue in Northfield but there are issues with car crime throughout the whole city and beyond in to Aberdeenshire.
“There are serious repercussions – it’s trying to get that across as early as possible so we can break the habit before it starts.”
To get involved, visit e-mail sara@shmu.org.uk or search for Impact Aberdeen on Facebook.