Don’t play tricks

(Date of issue: Monday, 20 October 2008)

Carlisle & Eden CDRP is urging parents to help make sure their children don’t get up to mischief this Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Calls to the Police about anti-social behaviour have traditionally tended to increase over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period. Over the past few months ASB Officers from Carlisle City Council, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria Constabulary have been planning, and preparing to implement a multi-agency operation to reduce the number of incidents throughout this period.

The operation will run from Thursday 23 October to Sunday November 9. The aim of the operation is to reduce the number of Anti-Social Behaviour incidents throughout this period, specifically addressing:

• Deliberate fire setting
• Inappropriate use / sale / possession of fireworks
• Rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for Carlisle and Eden Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and the communities we serve. Over the next few weeks, we will be working with partner organisations including schools, Victim Support, Cumbria Trading Standards and the Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour.

The partners are running co-ordinated visits to Schools and youth groups, The ‘Arson About’ Theatre Company are working in Newman School and Caldew Schools, delivering a workshops and a performance about the dangers of starting fires.

Diversionary activities are being run in a number of areas including the Safe Scheme at Trinity and a wide variety of activities at Botcherby, Petteril Bank and Hammonds Park Multi Use Games Areas and Dowbeck Park run by the Carlisle City Council Sports and Recreation Team.

Cumbria Constabulary is mounting extra patrols throughout the City during half term, deploying head cams to gather evidence and assist in enforcement and the seizure of fireworks. Cumbria Trading Standards are carrying out test purchasing operations.

Five re-deployable CCTV cameras will be moved to known ‘hotspot ‘areas to help gather evidence and prevent Anti-Social Behaviour. Carlisle City Council Carlisle City Council will arrange to remove bulky household items, furniture and white goods free of charge to members of the public.

The City Council, Green Spaces will be working in conjunction with partner agencies to remove unauthorised bonfires from the highway and City Council land, including parks and open spaces and Carlisle Housing Association will also be providing this service for unauthorised bonfires situated on their land. Additionally Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service will be carrying out Arson Audits throughout the district with the aim of reducing potential fire hazards.

Victim Support funded by the Carlisle and Eden CDRP run an Anti-Social Behaviour project supported by Carlisle Housing Association, providing advice and support to anyone in Carlisle and Eden who is suffering from anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

The project, in its third year, has helped hundreds of people suffering from low-level nuisance and serious anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, which has affected entire streets. Support ranges from general advice and support through to individual support from trained Victim Support volunteers, and if necessary support through court and aftercare. The Anti-social Behaviour Project can be contacted on 01228 882787.

Mary Robinson Chair of Carlisle & Eden CDRP said: "said:

"for some people, Halloween and Bonfire Night are fun occasions but our aim will be to ensure that those who wish to take part in trick or treat activities or celebrate Bonfire Night can do so safely, while taking positive action against anyone whose behaviour is anti-social or criminal. The message is simple, have fun but if your behaviour is Anti-Social, it won't be tolerated."

Cllr Olwyn Luckley portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said:

" the message is simple the anti-social behaviour often experienced by residents during the Halloween and Bonfire Night periods will not be tolerated. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun but we do need people to act responsibly and urge parents to ensure that their children enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night in a fun way, but make sure their fun does not cause fear or inconvenience to other people.’’

North Cumbria Chief Inspector, Mark Pannone, said:

"We will take any report of disorder seriously and, working with our colleagues from other agencies, will ensure that community members, especially the vulnerable, are protected from anti-social behaviour. Cumbria Constabulary asks that the community remember our Respect campaign, and ensure people's property and privacy is respected this autumn and that the Halloween and bonfire night periods are enjoyed responsibly."

Anthony Rooney, Community Risk Watch Manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said:

"Historically this is a busy time of year for the Fire Service and at times our resources can be stretched. This operation has been put together to ensure safety and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Ruth Crane, ASB Co-ordinator for Carlisle City Council said:

"once more we are working in partnership with a number of agencies to ensure we effectively deal with anti-social behaviour issues throughout the district. We are urging people to act responsibly and to think about how their actions may affect others, what is fun to some people may cause misery for others."

Victim Support, Anti-Social Behaviour Project manager Aimi O'Donnell said:

"It is essential that residents do not suffer in silence, if we do not know about the anti-social behaviour, we cannot help. Always report the problem, and if you want to speak to us for advice, you can contact Victim Support confidentially, and we will endeavour to help".

The Anti-Social Behaviour Project can be contacted on 01228 882787.