Halloween and Bonfire Night ASBO week kicks off

It’s the start of ASBO week and a campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour exhibited under the guise of Halloween and Bonfire Night has started.

‘Mischief Week’ annually sees a 16 per cent rise in anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and plain social disorder.

Safer Bristol has organised a series of activities to try and combat the problem.

Extra high visibility police patrols, events to keep youngsters busy and out of trouble because parents are too bloody lazy to do it themselves, street clean-ups and a hard hitting poster campaign are all planned.

Chair of Safer Bristol, Brian McCutcheon said: “We would like people to enjoy this time of year by behaving in a safe and responsible way. By all of the partners working together we can make sure that everyone enjoys themselves and local communities remain safe.”

The trouble that Safer Bristol has gone to is part of a nationwide campaign run by the Home Office ‘Not in My Neighbourhood’. This campaign is aiming to reduce intimidating behaviour overall and to reassure residents that there really is positive action being taken somewhere to make their communities safer.

Posters are being given to local shopkeepers to warn consumers that they will not sell fireworks, eggs or flour to under 18s. Teen parents will not be able to bake cakes this week.

A ‘No trick or treating’ poster can be downloaded from the Safer Bristol and Avon & Somerset Constabulary websites.

School children in the region have received leaflets to help keep themselves safe whilst out trick or treating.

Community Safety Officer, Cheryl Coles said: “Trick or treating is a great tradition, but care needs to be taken to make sure that everyone remains safe. Householders, especially the elderly can feel frightened having people knocking on their doors and asking for treats. We are appealing to young people and parents to bear this in mind and to act sensibility this Halloween.”

Bonfire Night is also a behaviour concern and police patrols are planned for Bristol flash points to make sure that behaviour is tackled quickly.

Youth Project Coordinator for Avon & Somerset Constabulary,Johanna Buck said: “By educating youngsters and upping police presence in key areas we hope to combat any rise in anti-social behaviour.

“People can get carried away with the festivities around this time of year and what they see as harmless fun can actually have a negative affect on local communities. We’ll be keeping an eye out for any problems and responding to incidents as quickly as possible.”

Youngster who may be at risk of causing trouble will find their previous bad behaviour rewarded by having organised activities taking place especially for them.

Neighbourhood Justice Co-ordinator, Kate O’Conner, said: “This year we’re providing at-risk teenagers with alternative activities to keep them busy and out of trouble. It’s a great way to build a community spirit between youngsters and show them that they can have fun without having to resort to anti-social behaviour”.

Last year, Avon Fire and Rescue responded to 50 Nuisance bonfires during this week. Bristol City Council’s Clean and Green Team will make a concerted effort to remove fly-tipping, abandoned cars and sofas which could be used to start fires.

Bristol Community Safety Officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service, John Burns said: “The injuries people can suffer from misusing fireworks can be horrendous and life changing. Each year more than 200 people aged under 12 are hurt by fireworks which is why we’ve been engaging with young people in schools around the city to educate them about firework safety and encourage them to take those messages home with them. The coordinated approach between partners means that we can effectively tackle one of the main problems associated with Mischief Week and ensure that the affected areas remain safe.”

If you’re concerned about anything mentioned above or would simply like to know more please contact Safer Bristol on 0117 914 2222, Avon and Somerset Constabulary on 0845 4567000 or Avon Fire & Rescue Service on 0117 926 2061.