Croydon Cops Turn Storytime Superheroes Amid School Shutdown
With London schools closed, Croydon’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team has cracked a clever way to stay connected with local kids. PCs John Barry and Greg Rainey have started reading bedtime stories on video, dropping comforting tales straight into children’s homes.
From Crime-Fighting to Storytelling
Usually, Safer School Officers regularly visit schools to build bonds with pupils and staff, tackle crime, and chat about important topics like online safety. But with lockdown slashing face-to-face time, these officers got creative to keep their presence felt.
“The children are used to seeing us regularly, but since restrictions hit, that interaction’s dropped massively,” said PC Barry. “We know kids and parents are nervous and unsettled by the sudden routine changes.”
Bedtime Stories Bring Comfort and Connection
Inspired by his own kids enjoying teachers’ story readings online, PC Barry thought, why not the police? The videos feature officers reading classics like The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Room on the Broom—all in full uniform, reassuring kids the police are still here to keep them safe.
“We want to maintain a visible presence without mentioning the pandemic,” PC Barry added. “Life goes on, and technology helps us stay connected and comforted.”
Success Spreads Across South London
The initiative was a hit in Croydon and has now gone viral to primary schools across Bromley, Croydon, and Sutton. Officers of all ranks have jumped on board, spreading smiles and stories via the Met’s YouTube channel.
Watch the storytime videos and see how your local police are turning lockdown into a storybook adventure!
