Cumbria police are putting on extra patrols in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire night to make sure that everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely.
Traditionally, calls to police about youth anti-social behaviour can increase at this time of year as some young people can take the spirit of Halloween and bonfire night too far and end up causing trouble or intimidating vulnerable members of their neighbourhood.
In a bid to keep trick or treating trouble to a minimum and prevent anti-social behaviour, more police officers will be out on the streets to tackle problems before they start and provide a reassuring presence to local communities.
Police have also been handing out posters for those who do not want to participate in Halloween to display in their windows, urging trick or treaters to stay away.
Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said: “We know how much young people enjoy celebrating Halloween and we don’t want to spoil that, but we also know from previous years that calls, tricks or pranks that may be harmless fun to some people can cause real distress to others – which results in us receiving more calls for service.
“We are going to be supporting our local communities as much as possible and policing teams have been issuing free posters to people who don’t want to be disturbed over Halloween so I’d ask people to respect this and if you see a poster asking you to not to trick or treat there – please respect their privacy and stay away.
“If you would like to get a free poster, please contact your local police station or you can print one off directly from Cumbria Constabulary’s website, http://www.cumbria.police.uk/.
“Officers out on the beat will also be reminding young people that behaviour such as throwing eggs or flour can quickly cross the boundary from being anti-social behaviour to causing criminal damage.”
Police have also been visiting local retailers alongside Trading Standards Officers to provide advice on the laws of selling fireworks and to make sure they know to call the Police if anyone under 18 tries to buy them.
ACC Skeer continues: “We are working closely with local retailers and licensees who are actively helping us ensure fireworks and alcohol do not get into the hands of under 18’s.
“We are warning people that it is against the law to use fireworks between 11pm and 7am, throw fireworks on the road, or to be in possession of fireworks in a public place if you are under-18 years of age. If you break the law you can expect to receive an on the spot fine, be banned from a particular area for up to 48 hours or be arrested and be taken into police custody.
“Any young people who are suspected of being in possession of fireworks can expect to be searched, have their fireworks seized, and then be taken home by police so that we can inform their parents.”
In addition to providing extra police and PCSO patrols on the streets, police are working with partners to remove or extinguish unauthorised bonfires, complete arson audits to establish vulnerable areas and pay close attention to the sale of fireworks amongst local retailers.
The Operation runs from Friday 22 October to Monday 8 November 2010 and sees the different agencies provide a whole host of fun activities and initiatives to divert young people away from participating in anti-social behaviour. These are all displayed on the Constabulary’s dedicated website: www.wotson4u.com
Local residents who do not wish to receive trick or treaters at their home are urged to display a new police poster on their door or in their windows (see attached poster). These are available from local police stations or can be printed directly from Cumbria Constabulary’s website. A new video has also been posted on Cumbria Constabulary’s website to provide advice for young people who want to go trick or treating safely.
If you are impacted by anti-social behaviour or would like to find out more abut what police are doing in your area log on to www.cumbria.police.uk or call 0845 3300 247.
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