Kent Police promote safety in run up to Halloween & Bonfire Night
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The half-term holiday, Halloween and Bonfire Night will be the focus of a three week Kent Police initiative to stop anti-social behaviour. As schools break up for the half-term holiday, Kent Police will be using its powers to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and happy Halloween and Bonfire Night.
The latest seasonal initiative as part of Operation Excalibur will use high profile policing throughout the county and stop-and-search powers to clamp down on the possession and use of prohibited fireworks. Anyone aged 16 or over caught flouting the rules could face an £80 fixed penalty notice for disorder. The police will also be working with Trading Standards to ensure retailers play their part in the responsible sale of fireworks and Halloween paraphernalia.
Chief Inspector Mark Harrison of Kent Police said: ‘This time of year should be fun for all the family. However, all too often, people’s enjoyment not to mention their safety is compromised by anti-social behaviour such as doorstep intimidation at Halloween or the dangerous and irresponsible use of fireworks. This is often targeted at the most vulnerable members of the community such as the elderly.’
As well as targeting youth crime and anti-social behaviour, Kent Police is also giving practical help and guidance to local communities to ensure that people stay safe during the Halloween and Bonfire Night festivities.
A major public information campaign will include the distribution of 100,000 safety cards offering advice on how to deal with doorstep trick-or-treaters and 80,000 leaflets targeted at 12 to 16 year-olds giving advice on how to go trick-or-treating both safely and responsibly. Retailers are also being urged to display posters reinforcing the message that they will not sell fireworks to anyone under 18 or eggs and flour to anyone under 16.
Chief Inspector Mark Harrison concluded: “We’re combining education with high profile policing to ensure that anti-social behaviour doesn’t mar what should be a fun time for all.”
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