Police crackdown launched for Halloween and Bonfire Night (From Streatham Guardian)

Metropolitan Police crackdown launched for Halloween and Bonfire Night

7:40am Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Nick Hitchens

Metropolitan Police crackdown launched for Halloween and Bonfire Night

A police crackdown was launched this morning aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade officers will give presentations in schools to reiterate safety tips to young people ahead of the festivities.

The police will also, for the first time, be sending letters to known anti-social behaviour offenders warning them that they could face eviction should they be caught committing crime.

Commander Mak Chishty, said: "We are here for London and to help make sure that everyone can enjoy the festivities and stay safe.

"All 32 London boroughs have a local plan in place, drawing together experience and successful tactics from previous years as well as managing planned events in their areas.

"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."

Officers are carrying out after-school patrols at hot spot areas, such as town centres and transport hubs, to disrupt potential involvement in robbery, violence and other criminal activities which impact on our neighbourhoods.

The police will also be using screening arches as part of wider detection tactics to deter the carrying of weapons and will take part in test purchase operations regarding the sale of fireworks and petrol.

All Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will be visiting firework outlets and taking action against problem venues. They will also be visiting food outlets in hot spot areas to encourage them to remove or not to sell flour and eggs to children.

In addition the Met Police Safer Transport Command, funded by Transport for London (TfL), is running Operation Safebus, an intensive two-week operation to prevent youth disorder on buses and at transport hubs across the capital during the autumn half term and encompassing Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Officers will use this opportunity to engage with young people while they are travelling on London's transport network and provide safety advice.

Superintendent Stuart Trayler, said: "We are dedicated to providing a safe and secure bus network for all Londoners, including young people.

"Often young people are unfairly stereotyped and through Operation Safebus we are trying to counteract this by recognising that young people can sometimes be victims of crime and not the perpetrators.

"By engaging with young people and providing safety advice, words of caution where needed and in some cases enforcement, we can ensure that all those who travel can do so without fear of crime or anti-social behaviour particularly during the seasonal peak that we often see at this time of year."

If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team, or in an emergency always dial 999.