Published: Monday, 16th October 2023
Cannock Chase Council is continuing to work closely with Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to help young people stay safe and keep out of trouble this Halloween and Bonfire.
Halloween can be harmless fun, but some members of the community can become distressed by unexpected trick or treaters. As part of a wider ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative, young people are being encouraged to ‘Think - Be Aware Who You Scare’ and to follow some simple dos and don’ts this Halloween. These can be found on Cannock Chase Council’s website.
The campaign aims to encourage young people to be respectful of other people in the community and not to get involved in anti-social behaviour.
PCSOs from the Cannock Local Policing Team (LPT) will be distributing glow in the dark ‘No Trick or Treat’ cards from 23 October. Residents can display these cards in their windows if they do not wish to be disturbed by trick or treaters. These cards will also be available to collect from Council offices, police stations, community fire stations and libraries from 23 October.
Daily messages will be posted on the Council’s social media in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire. These will include general safety tips and useful contact numbers.
Cannock Chase Local Policing Team (LPT) will be running `Operation Sparkler` from 30 October until 5 November and will be carrying out high visibility patrols in anti-social behaviour hotspots and responding to reports of anti-social behaviour.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service will also be undertaking a number of patrols and delivering a Safe and Sound educational package to schools. This will include messages around fire safety and crime prevention.
Councillor Jo Elson, Portfolio Leader for Community Wellbeing said: “The ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative demonstrates how partners are working together and are committed to making our neighbourhoods safe and enjoyable for everyone. This is a reminder to young people that Halloween can appear harmless fun, but it can sometimes scare and intimidate our elderly and vulnerable residents.
“Fireworks also cause great distress for animals and the elderly, so please be considerate when setting off fireworks and follow the Firework Code.
“With safety our main concern, we are urging parents to ensure their children are properly supervised during both Halloween and Bonfire.”
Chief Inspector Laura Morrey for Staffordshire Police said: “We want our local families to enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire period. I urge parents to supervise their children and be mindful of our elderly and vulnerable residents. My local policing team will be patrolling hot spot areas. Anti-social behavior will not be tolerated. We want to make this time enjoyable for everyone.
Mark Downes, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Prevent Delivery Lead for Cannock said: “We are asking parents to educate their children on the dangers of fireworks. They are explosives and potentially dangerous so they shouldn’t be messed with. Fireworks must not be bought or used by anyone under the age of 18.”
The Council would love to see people’s Halloween efforts this year and would like to encourage people to upload their spooky fun on their Facebook page - Cannock Chase Life.
For advice regarding the licensing of storage or sale of fireworks, residents can call 01785 277855.
To make complaints regarding unsafe storage of fireworks, or unlicensed premises selling fireworks, please call 01785 330356. Alternatively, visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/takecare for more information.
Photograph:
Artwork from the campaign.