Trick or Treat
South Manchester’s mischief-makers are warned to stay out of trouble this Halloween and Bonfire night or face the consequences.
As part of Operation Treacle, police officers will be working with Challenge and Support Officers from Manchester City Council, Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to combat the problems this time of year brings.
Officers from the neighbourhood policing teams will carry out regular patrols in hotspot areas to target antisocial behaviour, vandals and to reassure communities.
There will be dedicated firework safety patrol vehicles and Trading Standards will carry out test purchases at off-licenses to stop underage drinking and prevent the sale of fireworks to under 18s.
Trading Standards officers will also be visiting retailers and encouraging them to adopt a Challenge 25 policy when selling fireworks. This means anyone who looks under 25-years-old will be asked for identification to prove they are over 18.
Anyone found to be harassing or intimidating people, playing with eggs and flour, or vandalising property will face police action. Legislation will also mean that those under 18 face an £80 fine if they are in possession of a firework.
Officers have been giving dedicated Treacle inputs at schools, highlighting the consequences of antisocial behaviour and the dangers behind playing with fireworks.
Officers have also been handing out posters to residents that they can display in their windows informing trick or treaters whether they are welcome or not. Copies are available at www.safe4autumn.com or by contacting your local neighbourhood policing team.
Chief Inspector Derek Hewitt said: “Antisocial behaviour is one of the main issues residents tell us about and this traditionally increases over Halloween and Bonfire night. We have had some great success over the last couple of years thanks to Operation Treacle – reported incidents fell by 10.5 per cent last year compared with 2008.
“But even one incident is one incident too many and we are dedicated to building on the good results and ensuring that all our residents can enjoy this time of year without any fear of distress or intimidation.
“My advice for a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire night is to respect others, use fireworks responsibly and attend an organised event.”
If you have a neighbourhood policing issue please contact your local neighbourhood policing team:
Chorlton Neighbourhood Policing Team – 0161 856 4784 or chorlton.apt@gmp.police.uk
Northenden Neighbourhood Policing Team (covering Brooklands, Baguley and Northenden) – 0161 856 4546 or northenden.apt@gmp.police.uk
Didsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team (covering Withington, Old Moat, Burnage and Didsbury) – 0161 856 4973 or didsbury.apt@gmp.police.uk
Wythenshawe Neighbourhood Policing Team (covering Sharston, North Benchill and Woodhouse Park) – 0161 856 4882 or email wythenshawe.apt@gmp.police.uk
For more information about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.
Trick or Treat
South Manchester’s mischief-makers are warned to stay out of trouble this Halloween and Bonfire night or face the consequences.
As part of Operation Treacle, police officers will be working with Challenge and Support Officers from Manchester City Council, Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to combat the problems this time of year brings.
Officers from the neighbourhood policing teams will carry out regular patrols in hotspot areas to target antisocial behaviour, vandals and to reassure communities.
There will be dedicated firework safety patrol vehicles and Trading Standards will carry out test purchases at off-licenses to stop underage drinking and prevent the sale of fireworks to under 18s.
Trading Standards officers will also be visiting retailers and encouraging them to adopt a Challenge 25 policy when selling fireworks. This means anyone who looks under 25-years-old will be asked for identification to prove they are over 18.
Anyone found to be harassing or intimidating people, playing with eggs and flour, or vandalising property will face police action. Legislation will also mean that those under 18 face an £80 fine if they are in possession of a firework.
Officers have been giving dedicated Treacle inputs at schools, highlighting the consequences of antisocial behaviour and the dangers behind playing with fireworks.
Officers have also been handing out posters to residents that they can display in their windows informing trick or treaters whether they are welcome or not. Copies are available at www.safe4autumn.com or by contacting your local neighbourhood policing team.
Chief Inspector Derek Hewitt said: “Antisocial behaviour is one of the main issues residents tell us about and this traditionally increases over Halloween and Bonfire night. We have had some great success over the last couple of years thanks to Operation Treacle – reported incidents fell by 10.5 per cent last year compared with 2008.
“But even one incident is one incident too many and we are dedicated to building on the good results and ensuring that all our residents can enjoy this time of year without any fear of distress or intimidation.
“My advice for a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire night is to respect others, use fireworks responsibly and attend an organised event.”
If you have a neighbourhood policing issue please contact your local neighbourhood policing team:
Chorlton Neighbourhood Policing Team – 0161 856 4784 or chorlton.apt@gmp.police.uk
Northenden Neighbourhood Policing Team (covering Brooklands, Baguley and Northenden) – 0161 856 4546 or northenden.apt@gmp.police.uk
Didsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team (covering Withington, Old Moat, Burnage and Didsbury) – 0161 856 4973 or didsbury.apt@gmp.police.uk
Wythenshawe Neighbourhood Policing Team (covering Sharston, North Benchill and Woodhouse Park) – 0161 856 4882 or email wythenshawe.apt@gmp.police.uk
For more information about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.