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Fancy a trip down memory lane? I thought it might be fun to link to a few of the old government Public Information Films (PIFs) about crime and safety. When out on the Met's Crime Prevention Display Lorry we often used to have some of these videos playing in the background.
According to Wikipedia PIFs were supplied to broadcasters free of charge for them to use whenever they wished. Their usefulness as a cost-free means to fill the gaps in fixed-duration commercial breaks left by unsold advertising airtime led to their being used regularly and extensively in the 60s, 70s and much of the 80s. Consequently, within both the government’s Central Office of Information and broadcasting companies they were typically known as "fillers". They are still being produced, although the vastly reduced need for broadcasters to turn to third-party filler material to deal with unused airtime during breaks or junctions means they are now only seen rarely - unless a media campaign is being paid for or it's on the BBC.
It’s interesting to note the years when these films were produced:
- 1960s 2
- 1970s 10
- 1980s 23
- 1990s 5
- 2000s 6
- 2010s 1
The peak in the 1980s corresponded to the period in the UK when we were experiencing our highest levels of crime. With crime falling away very few are currently made with Don't advertise your stuff to thieves (2011) being the most recent, national one I could find. Of course, with You Tube being available it is no surprise to see that police services have produced their own films. Here's one by Greater Manchester Police for Domestic Abuse Awareness Week in 2009.
You may have to re-search those available at TV ARK if you have already watched them. Simply note the first letters of the title ‘currently playing’, click ‘Public Info Films’ from the drop down menu in ‘Choose a selection’ and click on the appropriate set that is listed alphabetically.
I’ve managed to find fifty plus - enjoy!
Sorry about this but some of the videos are currently not available. Unfortunately TV ARK's website is currently down. As soon as I can find replacement links I will amend.
BIKE THEFT
- Stolen Bikes (1970s) You Tube
- A Thief Would Like Your Bike (1980s?) You Tube
BOGUS CALLERS
- Strange Caller: What is he doing with those candlesticks? (1983) You Tube
- Suspicious Callers If in doubt – check up (1983) TV ARK
BULLYING
- Tell Someone (2003) (The National Archives Crown Copyright)
BURGLARY
- Crime: Keep it out keep it Shut (1979) You Tube
- George and Lil from (1979) TV ARK
- If it opens lock it (c1981) Formerly You Tube
- A window is always open to a thief. Unless it’s locked (1982) You Tube
- Thieving magpies – Don’t let them get away with it (1987) You Tube
- Crime: Together We'll Crack It “Oh no, Linda’s got my keys" (1991) You Tube
- Crime: Together We'll Crack It Trick of the light (1991) You Tube
- Don't advertise your stuff to thieves (Bedtime) (2009) You Tube
- Fit Window Locks (Warning: some swearing!) You Tube (Parody)
- Keep it Safe Keep it Locked (2009) You Tube
CAR CRIME
- Close Encounters of the Thief Kind (1988) You Tube
- Don’t treat car security as an optional extra (1989) You Tube
- Car crime – Together we’ll crack it (1992) (The National Archives Crown Copyright)
- Change: Don’t give them an easy ride (2000) You Tube
- Hot Dog: Don't give them an easy ride (2000) You Tube
- Car Trouble: Don't let them get away with it (2000) You Tube
CRASH HELMETS
- Wear a Helmet always (1965) You Tube
CREDIT CARD FRAUD
CRIME PREVENTION
- Crime Prevention Officer featuring David Calder (1970s) You Tube
- Prison: What kind of secure future are you giving your child? (1983) You Tube
- Ask the experts: Practical ways to crack crime (1988) You Tube
CRIME REPORTING
- Tell the Police (1960s) Formerly You Tube
- Neighbourly Nell (1980s) You Tube
- Be A Good Neighbour (1984) TV ARK
- Bus Stop (1990) Formerly You Tube
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
- Drugs Abroad : Pub (1970's) Formerly You Tube
- Drug Misuse (Heroin) Dummy (1985) You Tube
- Choose Life Not Drugs 1986 TV ARK
- Shooting Up Once Can Screw you Up (1988) TV ARK
- Drug Misuse: Alan (1988) You Tube
- Smack It Isn't Worth It from (1988) TV ARK
- Drug Misuse: Friends (1990) You Tube
- Drug Misuse: Chris (1990) You Tube
- Binge Drinking: Girl's Night Out (2008) You Tube
- Binge Drinking: Boy's Night Out (2008) You Tube
FIREWORK DANGERS
- Where's Your Child Tonight (1970s) You Tube
KNIVES
- Carry a knife and the consequences will follow (2008) Met Police
LITTERING
- Excuses: Keep Britain Tidy (1987) Formerly You Tube
- Don't drop litter – Put it Here (1980s) Formerly You Tube
- Don’t be a Gimp: Keep Britain Tidy (2010) You Tube
- SEARCH 'Keep Britain Tidy' on You Tube for lots of videos
MOBILE PHONES
POLICE OFFICERS
- The British Policeman (1959) (17min 22sec) (The National Archives Crown Copyright)
PROPERTY MARKING
- Property coding : Get Your Own Back featuring Shaw Taylor (1980's) You Tube
STRANGERS
- Charley (1973) (The National Archives Crown Copyright)
- Always Say No to Strangers (c1983) You Tube
THEFT PERSON
- Snatch of the Day (1975) TV ARK
- Look after your purse (1980s) You Tube
- Watch out for your purse (1980s) You Tube
VANDALISM
- Vandalism: Do you know where your lad’s going tonight? (1970s) You Tube
- Vandalism (1976) (The National Archives Crown Copyright)
