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Merseyside Police & Fire services warn not to ‘Trick or Mistreat’ this Halloween
7 years ago
Merseyside Police is encouraging young people, families and businesses to play their part in helping to keep their communities safe over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
Our Kate met Chief Inspector Chris Hitchellfrom Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Station Manager Paul Kay to find out more – watch the chat above.
Officers will be patrolling local neighbourhoods to ensure people can enjoy the festivities in their area safely but Merseyside Police cannot do this alone.
Parents and guardians are also being asked to help by taking responsibility for their childrenâs whereabouts and actions 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 could be misused to cause damage – such as eggs, flour and cans of shaving foam or spray paint.
READ MORE: A massive Halloween Lantern Carnival takes over Liverpool this Sunday
The force has also designed a short video – aimed at schoolchildren and young people – entitled âDonât Trick or Mistreatâ â which shows the consequences of antisocial behaviour and the people who may be affected by it.
Chief Inspector Chris Hitchell, who is heading this yearâs operation for Merseyside Police said: “This is always a fun time of year and we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the organised events and activities safely.
“We know that antisocial behaviour is of concern to people, particularly those who are old and vulnerable, and I want to reiterate my message that we will take robust action against those found committing antisocial acts.
READ MORE: What’s on this Halloween for young and old on Merseyside?
“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.
“I want to make it clear that is not acceptable to throw things at people or their homes, commit criminal damage or abuse or intimidate people.
“My message is think about what you are doing and how you may make other people feel. How would you feel if a member of your own family was too frightened to leave their own home or walk down the street?
READ MORE: All the info you need on Merseyside’s huge bonfire night show – River of Light
“The support of parents and guardians is vital at this time of year. They can minimise the risk by not letting children hang around the streets with nowhere to go and know who they are with and what they are doing, especially in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.
“Damage caused by used by Halloween âtricksâ, such as throwing eggs and flour, or any objects at windows, doors, cars and people is a criminal offence.
“It is also illegal for those under the age of 18 to buy, carry, or use fireworks and under the Explosives Act of 1875 it is illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place
“Anyone involved in criminal behaviour could be arrested and receive a fine, a criminal record or even jail time. If your child is under 16 then you will be liable for payment of any fine.
“By taking some 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.”
Station Manager Paul Kay, Arson Reduction Co-ordinator for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said: “Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service would like everyone to enjoy Halloweâen and Bonfire Night as safely as possible.
“We urge people to be careful of how they dress on Halloweâen â some costumes bought in shops can be flammable so labels should be checked to see how fire resistant the costumes are.
“Costumes should not be used to genuinely frighten people, particularly those who may be elderly and vulnerable
“Keep clear of all flames such as candles and lit pumpkins, which could cause burns or costumes to catch fire. Ideally, use battery-operated lights in pumpkins instead of candles.
“Never leave children alone with lit candles and make sure they are extinguished before leaving the room.
“If clothing does catch fire remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL; STOP where you are, do not run. DROP to the ground and lie down flat. ROLL over and over on the ground until the flames are out.
“Fireworks should be enjoyed at organised events as they provide safe, controlled displays in places that are suitable.
“We would encourage people to take advantage of organised events rather than risking the safety of themselves, their family and friends by using fireworks at home.”
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