Mischief-makers targeted by undercover police team

Oct 23 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

YOUNG people and their families must help to keep their communities safe during Halloween and Bonfire Night, police warned yesterday.

Merseyside Police said that while they understand this is an exciting time of year for many, it is also a period which can present problems.

Police officers in plain clothes will be placed on “Trojan” buses, taxis and fire engines in an effort to deter and tackle offenders who target members of the public and emergency services.

The main reason for calls for service over the Halloween period are due to anti-social behaviour by young people.

Many of the incidents involve youths with fireworks, throwing eggs at property and verbal abuse.

Police have responded by joining forces with Merseyside Fire Service, local councils and youth services to provide reassurance and co-ordinate resources where needed in the run-up to and during Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Dedicated neighbourhood and schools officers along with community support officers are involved in providing a number of activities across the area for young people to make the autumn festivities safe and fun.

Officers said plans are also well under way to crack down on the criminal sale and use of fireworks. Visits to retailers by police, fire officers and trading standards officers are ensuring firework legislation is both understood and followed.

Superintendent Ngaire Waine said: “We have being working with schools in the borough to talk to young people and warn of the dangers of fireworks and the consequences of anti-social behaviour. However, the support of parents is vital.

“Don’t let your children hang around the streets with no- where to go. Know who they are with and what they are doing, especially in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

“By taking these simple steps, it could prevent that knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrest- ed or, worse still, has been involved in a serious accident.”

FIND out more about the activities taking place in your area – log on to www.mersey sidepolice.uk/autumnfun

carolineinnes