Police warning to groups of youths - play safe and keep safe
With Halloween and Bonfire Night around the corner, Ealing Police are warning they will take action over any anti-social behavior.
They say that whilst the vast majority of people are out for a good evening and will act responsibly, groups of people who could appear intimidating to others will be spoken to.
Under Section 60 (a) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, police have the power to remove or seize any item being used to conceal identity if it will deter crime - that can include scary masks.
Schools officers have been reiterating safety tips to young people ahead of the festivities.
Officers are carrying out after school patrols at key locations, such as busy transport hubs and patrols to disrupt potential involvement in robbery, violence and other criminal activities.
They will also be using screening arches as well as wands as part of wider detection tactics to deter the carriage of weapons and will take part in test sale operations with Trading Standards regarding the sale of fireworks, alcohol and over the counter weapons.
Commander Christine Jones said: " "I would like to stress that our operations are not aimed at demonising young people, the large majority of whom behave safely and responsibly. However those intent on committing crime and anti social behaviour will face the consequences."
Boroughs will receive central support for their operations, including mobile police units that will be deployed in response to particular threats. This additional support is controlled and directed from the MPS Central Command Complex [one of the three MPS 999 centres].
All Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will be patrolling at key times in town centres and transport hubs.
In addition the MPS Safer Transport Command, funded by Transport for London [TfL], is running concurrently Operation Safebus, an intensive two week operation to tackle youth disorder on the transport network during the autumn half term and encompassing Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Commander Jones added: "During this busy period, ensure you stay safe by staying with others and try to attend well organised events.
"When you are out, keep your valuables and high value mobile phones out of sight, or leave them at home.
"If trick or treating, be aware of the impact of your actions on others- it may cause unnecessary worry to some of the more vulnerable members of our communities. Wherever possible parents should try to accompany their children.
“If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team or in an emergency always dial 999.
"Do not forget the security of your home. If you are going out for the evening, ensure you have closed and locked your doors and windows and make sure that you leave lights on. The clocks go back on 30 October, so it may be dark before you expect it.”
Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor for Policing, added: "We want people to enjoy themselves and also to ensure everyone feels safe going about their business and in their communities.
"London remains one of the safest cities to go out at night, but of course you should also employ common sense and be aware of what's happening around you.
"For the minority of people that might cause trouble, this will not be tolerated and the police will be ready to respond, quickly and decisively."
Key safety advice:
Advice to parents and carers:
Make sure you know where your children are and who they are with
Go with them trick or treating if you can
Keep fireworks in a safe place in the house
Report any anti-social behaviour or concerns to your Safer Neighbourhoods’ Team
Attended organised events wherever possible
Advice to young people:
We want you to enjoy yourselves but won’t tolerate unacceptable behaviour or anti-social behaviour
Ensure you are safe by staying with others
Attend organised events wherever possible
When trick or treating avoid knocking on the doors of elderly or vulnerable neighbours and causing unnecessary worry
Keeping your home secure:
Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes
Make sure UPVC doors are properly locked with a key
Make sure the side and/or back gate is locked
Lock your shed or garage
Make sure that any valuables are out of sight
Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home
Don't leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, windows or your letterbox
20th October 2011