Up Beat

HALLOWEEN AND FIREWORK NIGHT

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28 October 2008

"We want people to enjoy themselves and stay safe"

SOUTHWARK POLICE wants everyone to enjoy the autumn festivities. Both Halloween and Firework night can be lots of fun for children and adults alike. Plans have been put in place to ensure that the law-abiding majority can enjoy the festivities, without their fun being ruined by a small number of troublemakers.

Extra officers will be on the streets, in particular during the evenings, to deter and deal with anti-social behaviour, disorder and crime during this busy time. Every Safer Neighbourhoods team will be on duty on 31 October and 5 November. 

Southwark safer schools officers continue to reassure and protect young people. In the run up to schools breaking up they will be focusing on the end of the school day, when large numbers of young people come together on and around the public transport system.

The small minority who remain intent on using this period as an opportunity for criminal activity can expect police attention.

In particular, those who carry knives and other weapons can expect to be arrested and sent to court. 

We are not demonising young people - it is only a very small minority whose anti-social behaviour causes misery for others.

Halloween advice

While Halloween can undoubtedly be a great deal of fun, it can also be a particularly anxious and distressing time of year to some of the more vulnerable members or our communities - especially the elderly.

Please consider the following advice:

• If you decide to participate in the  Halloween festivities, always have an adult open the door and   treats ready to hand out.
• Genuine trick or treaters tend to be younger children, often accompanied by adults, calling earlier in the evening. 
• Remember you do not have to open the door to trick or treaters 
• Please look out for one another and in particular elderly and more vulnerable neighbours.
• Please report sightings of large or intimidating groups of youths and the direction in which they are travelling to police on 0300 123 1212 
• The 999 system should always be used in the event of an emergency.

We have reminded local retailers regarding their responsibilities in selling eggs and other products that could be used as missiles.  

We are unable to cover every eventuality, but we hope this advice helps you to have a trouble free Halloween.

Advice to young people

Groups of people in masks are intimidating; take care not to frighten the elderly. 

Don't vandalise anything or throw things like eggs and flour. This can be classed as criminal damage, or even assault, and a night of 'fun' could end up with you in trouble

Remember if you are under 18, having a firework is an offence. Throwing or setting them off in the street can cause serious injury to you or someone else.
  
Enjoy yourselves, but don't behave in a way that is unacceptable or may cause distress to others.

Fireworks and the law

It is illegal to:

• Sell fireworks to anyone under 18
• Have fireworks if you are under 18
• Throw or set off fireworks in a public place
• Set off fireworks after 11pm or 12 midnight on 5 November

If you break the law and use fireworks dangerously or to cause nuisance you could be fined or end up in prison.

IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS DIAL 999

FOR OTHER HELP AND ADVICE CALL 0300 123 1212

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