HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight police officers are appealing to the knitting community to help make more teddy bears to hand out to children involved in incidents of domestic abuse.

Previously, police were inundated with offers of help from members of the community to knit the police officer teddy bears. They’ve been so popular that they’re now running low.

The bears, which are knitted by volunteers, are given to children by officers to help communicate with them and break down barriers that can exist when police attend after a domestic incident.

Detective Sergeant Adam Merrick, said: “We were so lucky to have had so many people help us previously and the bears were really well received. These little bears really do help to provide comfort and reassurance to young children when we attend an incident they have been involved in or have witnessed, and can help break down that initial barrier.

“Not only do they reassure the child, making it easier for us to talk to them and find out what has happened, they also help to distract the child if we are trying to talk to their parent.

“The children who receive these bears would have been through a lot and would be recognised as a victim of domestic abuse in their own right under the new Domestic Abuse Act. Being able to greet them with this small gesture really does make a difference and helps put a smile on their face at a difficult time in their lives.”

Finished bears can be handed in at your local police station.

For information on how to get involved by knitting, visit: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/hampshire/news/bobbybuddiesknittingpattern.pdf

Alternatively, crocheters are encouraged to get involved at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/hampshire/news/bobby-buddy---crochet---hants.pdf