[dropcap type=”circle”]M[/dropcap]erseyside Police is encouraging young people, families and businesses to play their part in keeping communities safe over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period and is warning anyone who commits incidents of anti-social behaviour to expect a swift response.
Extra officers will be out on the streets over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to ensure people can enjoy the festivities in their area safely.
Officers are asking parents to help keep communities safe by taking responsibility for their children’s whereabouts and to be mindful of any neighbours who may be elderly or vulnerable and who might feel frightened or intimidated.
Shopkeepers are also being urged not to sell any items that can be misused to cause damage, such as eggs, flour and cans of shaving foam.
The force has been involved in a multi-agency operation to provide a whole range of activities across Merseyside, organise events and provide public reassurance.
Chief Inspector Chris Hitchell, who is heading this year’s operation said: “This is a fun time of year for everyone across Merseyside and we want people to enjoy the organised events and activities safely.
“We know the vast majority of young people have respect for other people and their property but we know the behaviour of some can go beyond fun.
“Our message during this period is simple – anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone caught committing this type of offence will be dealt with firmly and robustly. No one should have to suffer being the victim of anti-social behaviour and I would like to reassure everyone that there will be extra high-visibility patrols during this time.
“While there will be extra officers on the streets, I want to take this opportunity to remind people to take responsibility for themselves, for their children and also consider elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives, to whom even a knock on the door in the dark, can be intimidating.
“The support of parents is vital. Don’t let your children hang around streets with nowhere to go. Know who they are with and what they are doing, especially in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night. By taking these simple steps it could prevent that knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or, worse still, has been involved in a serious accident.
“Finally I would like to remind people who are out ‘trick or treating’ that throwing eggs or flour at buildings, writing graffiti or any other acts of vandalism is regarded as criminal damage. Anyone caught committing these offences will be dealt with accordingly. Thankfully it’s only a small minority who take it too far and we hope that law-abiding members of the community enjoy this festive period.”
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