Operation Relentless to target anti-social behaviour this Halloween.
| Published: 29th October 2008 14:43 |
from Avon&Somerset police website
Halloween is traditionally the busiest night of the year for police with a massive increase in calls from the public around anti-social behaviour.
As part of Operation Relentless, extra patrols including Special Constables and partner agencies will be out on October 31 to target the anti-social behaviour hot spots across the force.
In the run-up to the day officers are working with retailers, schools and Neighbourhood Watch groups across Avon and Somerset to give out personal safety advice on how to have a safe and fun Halloween.
Retailers are once again linking up with the police and refusing to sell flour and eggs to under 18s to ensure everyone enjoys the night.
"This is not about criminalising Halloween or trick or treating. It is about ensuring everyone enjoys the night safely."
Chief Inspector Martin Hull, of the force's Communications Department, said: "I would urge anyone to call 999 if they are faced with an emergency situation but for all non-urgent enquiries people should either call 0845 456 7000 or use the force's website at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk which has an e-mail link so that questions can be passed electronically.
"We know that - particularly for the elderly - this time of the year can be potentially frightening. Our plans for Operation Relentless aim to provide reassurance and support to make our communities feel safe and be safe."
Tomorrow (Thursday, October 30) - on the eve of Halloween - Chief Inspector Hull will be going online with a special web-chat between 6 -7pm to talk about the force's plans and to answer any questions from the public.
Visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/webchat for more details.
Police are particularly asking parents to take responsibility for where their children are on the night and what they are doing - both for their safety and the safety of the people they visit.
Assistant Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: "This is not about criminalising Halloween or trick or treating. It is about ensuring everyone enjoys the night safely.
"For most young people the evening is all about having fun, but for some older children they use Halloween as an excuse to act in an anti-social manner causing misery to vulnerable local residents."
On the evening, police will have extra patrols around the dispersal zones in the towns, villages and cities across Avon and Somerset.
Mr Hansen added: "From experience, when officers have returned children to their homes many parents are unaware of where they have been or have been told a different story.
"It is really important that parents work with us to target anti-social behaviour so that everyone can enjoy the evening.
"We do not want to spoil anyone's fun but what we will not allow is anti-social behaviour to be masked under the name of Halloween.
"This is behaviour which, on any other night of the year, is clearly unacceptable. Whilst some of the 'tricks' seem like harmless fun, some people can go too far and act in a manner which some vulnerable members of the community find very frightening. They should not have to tolerate this so nor will we."
Advice includes:
- Always go trick or treating with an adult.
- Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents.
- Stay in areas that are well lit and take a torch with you just in case.
- Stay with your friends - don't get split up unless an adult goes with you.
- Don't knock on doors where there is a sign saying 'No Trick or Treat here'
- Don't talk to strangers on the street and don't enter any house - stay on the doorstep.
AboutMyArea has created 2 posters that can be downloaded & printed off to be displayed for Trick or Treaters.
What do you think?
You will need to sign in to post a comment to this article. if you do not have an AboutMyArea account, you can join now for free.
