Codemasters tackles anti-social behaviour

Games publisher Codemasters has launched an initiative to combat the growing problem of anti-social behaviour among youngsters.

The firm has joined forces with North East Lincolnshire Council's community warden scheme in a bid to engage youngsters about community issues.

Wardens will take copies of Codemasters' Wii game Emergency Mayhem into schools, where youngsters will take on the role of a fireman, police officer or paramedic as they dash around 'Crisis City' rescuing residents, apprehending criminals and putting out fires.

According to the council, using the game and the Wii console will encourage team-building among youngsters as they work together to overcome challenges.

Julie Ogley, the council's executive director for community care, said: "Our team of wardens have a number of ideas to address anti-social behaviour across the community. Our Wii events always draw a number of enthusiastic participants and are a very popular part of our Safer Communities' Week of Action events to cut crime and anti-social behaviour across the region. We thank Codemasters for supporting our wardens' endeavours and I am sure there will be no shortage of demand to try out this new game."

Codemasters also revealed that Humberside Fire & Rescue are planning to use Emergency Mayhem to teach children the dangers of "lighting fires and the effects it has on people in the community."

Wii exclusive Emergency Mayhem will be released this Friday.