Published: Tuesday 17th October 2017 | 8.30am
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 night.
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 and the Fire Cadets will be distributing glow in the dark ‘No Trick or Treat’ cards to a number of streets across the Cannock Chase District. Residents can display these cards in their windows if they don’t wish to be disturbed by treat or treaters. These cards will also be available to collect from Council Offices, police stations, community fire stations, doctor’s surgeries and libraries from Monday 23 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.
Staffordshire Police will also be carrying out high visibility patrols during this period.
Local Prevent teams and firefighters will be delivering a presentation to pupils to highlight how dangerous fireworks can be when in the wrong hands.
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, Leader of 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 night.”
Inspector Mark Ward, Deputy Commander for Cannock District Policing Team, said: “I am encouraging parents to sit with their children and look at the Council’s webpage about the ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative. There are a number of do’s and don’ts on the website that if followed will help to ensure that Halloween is an enjoyable and safe time for everyone.”
Carmel Warren, Prevent Manager for the west of the county, said: “This partnership will help members of the community to strike the right balance so that those who want to enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night can do so in a safe manner while still respecting the needs of those who may feel uncomfortable or even scared at this time.
“Our Prevent teams have been visiting schools across the area to educate pupils about the potential risks that these celebrations can bring so that they don’t fall foul of them. We also want residents who may be older or vulnerable to be reassured that young people, in particular, understand the impact that anti-social behaviour can have on other residents.”
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.