Operation 'Bang Out of Order'

18 October 2008

‘Bang Out of Order’ Day Event 2008

 The Safer Harlow Partnership will be launching OPERATION: Bang Out of Order on Saturday (18 October) which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour incidents during the Halloween and Firework period.
 
Local residents can find out more about the campaign and how to stay safe during the Halloween and Firework period at a public information event. A Fire Engine, marked police car, and a St Johns ambulance with representatives from the Safer Harlow Partnership will be outside Asda in the Water Gardens, along with the Street Scene Champs between 12 noon and 2pm to raise awareness and distribute information materials on firework laws, the firework code and ‘trick or treat’ advice.
 
Councillor Andrew Johnson, Leader of Harlow Council, said:”This joint operation is necessary to ensure that Harlow stays safe leading up to Halloween and firework night. This period can end up being a worrying time for some local residents so it’s important that we get across to people the right and safe way to Trick or Treat or use fireworks. We want this to be an enjoyable time but not at the expense of people’s safety. That’s why Council and Police officers will be on standby to respond quickly to any incidents which are reported by residents.”
 
Harlow district commander, Chief Inspector Mike Martin said, "We want people to have fun, but not to the annoyance of others. We want people, particularly young children, to be safe, not to be a casualty of the celebrations. We will take a hard line on those who show no respect and break the law."

Local residents are being encouraged to phone the police on 0300 333 444 or any anti-social behaviour to the ‘It’s your call” action line on 0845 605 2222 to report any nuisance around Halloween, or any misuse of fireworks.  Emergencies must be reported to 999 as normal.
Residents who do not wish to be disturbed on Halloween night can pick up posters from their local police station, which state 'no trick or treat please' to place in their front windows leading up to the event.
 
In a further bid for a safe and enjoyable time Essex Police and Harlow Council are stepping up enforcement work, with officers on standby to respond to incidents. 
 
The enforcement work includes: 
 
• Harlow Council obtaining a range of firework awareness information for distribution to all primary & senior schools in the town.
• Essex Police service joining forces with Essex Fire & Rescue education teams, and visit all schools in Harlow to undertake safety talks. 
• Police community support officers encouraging shop traders to restrict the sale of flour and eggs to youths in the lead up to Halloween and to visibly display firework law information.
• Additional Police evening patrols for Halloween and Firework night, and policing at Harlow Council’s Firework display

The partnership is encouraging people to attend the town’s annual firework event in the Town Park on Sunday 2 November as a safety precaution rather than organise there own displays.

Ends
 

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

•  Please be safe when you trick or treat
• • Always go trick or treating with an adult
• • Don't talk to strangers on the street
  • Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents
  • Don't enter any house, stay on the doorstep
  • Don't knock on doors where there is a sign saying 'No trick or treat here'
  • Although Halloween is supposed to be spooky, be careful not to frighten elderly people
  • Stay in areas that are lit with streetlights - take a torch with you just in case
  • Always look carefully before crossing the road
  • Stay with your friends - don't split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you
  • Be visible
   
  FIREWORKS

The Government has changed legislation to tackle the misuse of fireworks, restricting their supply, use and possession, and making it more difficult for those who might misuse fireworks to obtain them.
 
It is illegal:

• to possess a professional display firework (unless a fireworks professional);
• to set off fireworks after 11pm (except in limited circumstances such as 5 November, which is 12 midnight);
• for a young person under 18 to possess an adult firework in a public place;
• for suppliers that sells adult fireworks all year round to be unlicensed.

These are punishable by a £5,000 fine, six months in prison or an on the spot fine.  Police can also put in place dispersal zones in problem areas and stop and search anybody they believe is in possession of an illegal firework

Detailed information for the public and traders can be found at www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks/ 
 

Niel Churchill MCIPR
Communications Officer
Harlow Council, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG
Tel:  01279 446710
Fax:  01279 446637
Alternative contact: Nicki Hulford 01279 446799
www.harlow.gov.uk