03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Police prepare for Halloween and Bonfire Night with ‘Operation Bang’

WITH celebrations for Halloween and Bonfire Night fast approaching, South Wales Police have launched the #OpBang initiative.

They are working with partners including Schoolbeat and the Fire service to help ensure a safe and enjoyable few weeks for everyone.

In a statement the force said: “We are aware that many vulnerable members of our community can find this time of year difficult and frightening, and we’re asking those celebrating Halloween and bonfire night to be mindful of this. REMEMBER IT’S NOT FUN FOR EVERYONE!

“Our work over this period will include promoting key messages about being considerate and respectful to all members of the community and reinforcing the point that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.  This approach, along with targeted diversionary activities which engage young people in fun and entertaining events, can be very effective in ensuring that everyone enjoys themselves safely. Once again we’re also working with local shops who have agreed not to sell flour or eggs to unaccompanied children in an attempt to help reduce anti-social behaviour.

“We will be working hard to keep residents safe and reassured, but we’re also appealing to parents and guardians to be responsible for the behaviour of their children.”

Brand new posters and flyers – including a ‘No Caller Please’ poster asking ‘Trick or Treaters’ to move on – are currently being distributed by Local Policing Teams, and the No callers please poster can also be downloaded via this link

Working with local shopkeepers, and in an attempt to help reduce anti-social behaviour, several shops have also agreed not to sell flour or eggs to unaccompanied young people.

Anyone who has concerns about Halloween or Bonfire night is encouraged to contact their local policing team. To report any incidents please ring 101 or do it on online.

Always ring 999 in an emergency.

Our top tips for a safe Halloween night:

Children should always be accompanied by an adult when they are trick or treating.
Only go to houses of people that you know and who are happy for you to call – please respect residents who choose not to take part.
Keep to places that you know and are well-lit.
Watch out for traffic – drivers might not see you.
Carry a torch and a fully charged mobile phone (if you have one).

Our tips for a safe bonfire night:
An organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks.
If you are organising your own display keep bonfires small and manageable and build them away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees, bushes and vehicles
Avoid drinking alcohol whilst in charge of a bonfire or fireworks and particularly when supervising children
Only children over the age of five should use sparklers, they must be supervised by an adult at all times.
It’s an offence to sell or give Fireworks to anyone under the age of 18. You can be fined or imprisoned for buying or using fireworks illegally.
It is also an offence to set off fireworks in a public place.

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