Published: Monday 22nd October 2018 | 12.22pm
Cannock Chase Council is working closely with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and local outreach workers 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. 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 do’s and don’ts this Halloween. These can be found on Cannock Chase Council’s website.
Staffordshire Police Cadets will be distributing glow in the dark ‘No Trick or Treat’ cards from a stall at the Chase Leisure Centre on Monday 22 October. Residents can display these cards in their windows if they don’t wish to be disturbed by trick or treaters. These cards will also be available to collect from Council Offices, police stations, community fire stations, doctor’s surgeries and libraries from Wednesday 24 October.
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.
Cannock district policing team will be running Operation Sparkler between Monday 22 October and Monday 5 November carrying out high visibility patrols in ASB hotspots and responding to reports of ASB.
A simple list of do’s and don’ts around firework safety are also available to download from Cannock Chase Council’s website.
Councillor Carl Bennett, Portfolio Leader for Crime and Partnerships, 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.
“With safety our main concern, we are urging parents to ensure their children are properly supervised during both Halloween and Bonfire.”
Chief Inspector Sarah Wainwright, Commander for Cannock District Policing Team, said: “I am encouraging parents to make sure their children are aware of both the ‘Take Care and Be Aware ‘initiative and the consequences of ASB. This should be an enjoyable celebration and vulnerable members of the public should not have their enjoyment blighted by the Anti Social Behavior of the minority.
Sarah Smith, Watch Manager, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said “Local prevent teams will be going into primary schools that surround the organised Bonfire’s in Rugeley and Longford area of Cannock. We will be holding whole school assembly’s to talk to them about firework safety and the dangers of sparklers. We will also be encouraging the public to go to arranged events to try and reduce the accidents people have when they let off fireworks in their back gardens and the dangers they present to the surrounding areas and farmland. We will also be encouraging them to call 999 if they have any problems.
A special Firework’s Hotline has been set up to answer any questions that residents have about Bonfire Night and safety associated with fireworks. The number to call is 01785 277 855. Alternatively, visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/takecare for more information.