Community safety partners tackle ASB during Halloween and Bonfire period

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Community safety partners tackle ASB during Halloween and Bonfire period

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Merseyside Police is working with partners to find new ways to engage young people to prevent anti-social behaviour across the Halloween and Bonfire period.

The force has recently invested in the creation of new schools' resources to ensure that young people understand the potentially dangerous consequences of disruptive actions.

While the majority of schools in Merseyside are supported by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) or a Safer Schools' Officer to deliver safety messages, this is the first time Merseyside Police has produced dedicated visual materials for schools to deter antisocial behaviour across the Halloween and Bonfire period.

Using real life footage captured on the body worn video of officers, the force - together with Merseyside Fire and Rescue - highlight how emergency services react to dangerous incidents and explain the potentially catastrophic consequences.

Issues such as hoax calls, firework misuse and peer pressure are all tackled.

The video is part of the force's strategy for tackling antisocial behaviour, which also focuses on the importance of young people having the opportunity to take part in constructive, enjoyable activities in their free time, particularly during this period.

Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "Halloween and Bonfire Night are opportunities for families and communities to come together. Unfortunately, there will always be a minority who see this period as an opportunity to engage in the sort of behaviour that can have a negative impact on our communities.

"Anti-social behaviour will never be tolerated and tackling and preventing it is one of my top priorities. That is why, in collaboration with our Violence Reduction Partnership, we jointly launched the Youth Empowerment Scheme; to better support vital charities and community organisations at times when we may see an increase in ASB.

"From spooky woodland trails to firework displays and DJ sessions, we have a brilliant range of supervised activities going on right across our region, to help keep young people positively engaged.

"Our voluntary and third sector organisations are embedded in our communities, and I'm grateful to all of them, for the positive impact they are making in our young people's lives.

"Whatever you are up to this Halloween and Bonfire period, I hope everyone in Merseyside enjoys a safe time with family and friends."

Merseyside Police has been working with local councils to ensure that educational resources are delivered to schools to educate young people on the importance of staying safe across the period, as well as collaborating on funding a range of seasonal activities.

Superintendent Dawn McNally hopes that the new resources, which include letters to parents, will help families understand the potential risks for young people of being inadvertently drawn into anti-social behaviour. She said: "Obviously, Halloween is an exciting time for young people, it's something a lot of them really look forward to. We want them to enjoy it.

"Our aim is to make it clear - together with our partners Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service - that what they might perceive as just a bit of fun can potentially be upsetting for other members of the public, and sometimes extremely dangerous.

"We're committed to tackling antisocial behaviour, and prevention through education is a key part of that."

Mark Sopp, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager for Community Safety, who features in the video, emphasises the need for the safe and responsible use of fireworks. He said: "Never play with fireworks, they should only be used by adults in a safe way. Carrying fireworks in your pockets could lead to severe injury and you could end up in hospital.

"Think before you act and help us to help keep you safe to ensure an enjoyable time for your friends, family, and community during this bonfire and Halloween period."

You can find out more about reporting incidents here.

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