Halloween police response

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increased presence to be repeated on Fireworks Night

 

Wandsworth police increased their patrols on Halloween to tackle antisocial behaviour on the borough, which included responding to calls about criminal damage from youths using the excuse of Halloween to behave antisocially.

An additional thirty officers were patrolling the streets and hotspots to aid the borough’s response teams.  This operation followed the Metropolitan Police Service strategy of using extra patrols to combat antisocial behaviour in specific periods of the year.

From 6pm - midnight on Halloween night (31 October) Wandsworth police received approximately eight calls relating to criminal damage from youths in Halloween costumes or with their faces covered under hooded tops.

These reports include eggs being thrown at houses, three windows being smashed and elderly residents feeling threatened from the behaviour of those “trick and treating.” 

Chief Supt. Joe Royle said:

“We are not demonising young people, most children were supervised by suitable guardians and acted appropriately to enjoy the night.  However, a small number of youths caused criminal damage and there were other reports of public disturbances.   Our officers were out on patrol and I want to reassure the public that tackling antisocial behaviour is a priority.  If anyone causes criminal damage to your property you should call the police and not get into a confrontation which could get out of hand.”

Police have recently received a number of calls about youths setting off fireworks in public places.  This is dangerous to those setting them off and anyone in the location.  Police will have an increased presence on the borough during Fireworks Night.

Anyone setting off fireworks in a public place is an offence and under English Law prohibits the use of adult fireworks after 11pm.

Possession of fireworks by persons under 18 in a public place and using them after 11pm is an offence and police officers can issue Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) which carry a fine of £80 for individuals aged 16 and over.

Police always investigate reports of loud bangs in the area, and on a number of occasions it has turned out to be people letting off fireworks for pranks or in an unsuitable environment past the deadline of 11pm.

Chief Supt. Joe Royle said: “Anyone letting off fireworks could seriously jeopardise the response time to a genuine firearms situation.”

November 2, 2006