A TEENAGE victim of crime has been given £50 in vouchers by a charity.

Matthew Barrow, aged 13, from Northwich was presented with Halford’s vouchers by the Child Victims of Crime Charity after his bike was stolen.

His mother, Sharon, bought a bike for her son as a reward for his good behaviour. But it was stolen from Lostock Gralam on April 27.

The bike was not recovered, and PC Fiona Datoo nominated Matthew for the award from the Child Victims of Crime Charity.

Child Victims of Crime is a police charity set up to support any child up to and including the age of 16 who has been a victim of or traumatised by crime.

The charity, which organises holidays and activity breaks for young victims as well as funding for counselling, was set up by Cheshire Police officers in 1993 using public donations, following the deaths of two young people in the Warrington bombing.

Child Victims of Crime became a registered charity in 1994 and was administrated by the British Police Rugby section. It is now run by a board of trustees.

PC Datoo said: "Matthew’s mum wanted to reward him for his continued good behaviour so she saved up to buy him a bike. He was very upset when it was stolen, especially because it was a present.

"Hopefully these vouchers have gone some way to making him feel better."

Matthew was presented with the vouchers by PC Datoo and Insp Paul Loughlin, head of policing in Northwich.