POLICE in Chester are confident Hallowe’en in the city will be scary for all the right reasons this year.
In recent years, there have been issues with anti-social and nuisance behaviour in and around the city with some youths using the time of the year as an excuse to cause misery for others.
But police are looking to build on the success of last year’s operations and target those who aim to hijack what should be a period of genuine fun.
Officers from both the Inner and Outer Neighbourhood Units will be carrying out special operations during the Hallowe’en and bonfire night period aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and other associated problems.
Sergeant Anton Sullivan, of Chester Outer NPU, said: “We will have a special team, made up of police officers, police community support officers and special constables, in operation throughout the period with the sole intention of dealing with potential trouble makers.
“We will be looking, where possible, to respond to all calls related to anti-social behaviour and will be targeting known hotspots with a history of problems.
“I want to be extremely clear that we will be operating a zero tolerance approach to anti-social and nuisance behaviour and will take robust action against anyone who is caught causing trouble.
“We will also continue to work with licensed premises to take steps to prevent under age drinkers from getting hold of alcohol.
“Many problems experienced around this time of year are related to the consumption of alcohol and we will do everything within our power to ensure youngsters find their opportunities to obtain booze are severely restricted. Any under-age drinkers found with alcohol will have the drink confiscated.
“This approach will also be used in relation to fireworks and we are liaising with Trading Standards to look at the sale of fireworks to prevent them from getting into the wrong hands.”
Inspector Mel Williams, of Chester Inner NPU added: “Hallowe’en and bonfire night should be a time of fun, particularly for youngsters and we certainly do not want to get in the way of this or prevent children from enjoying themselves.
“Sadly there is a minority which seems intent on using the idea of Hallowe’en to carry out unacceptable, and sometimes criminal, behaviour which has a negative impact on the wider community.”
PCSOs will visit elderly and vulnerable residents in each area – and those who have previously suffered at the hands of vandals and nuisance youths – to offer reassurance and to address any issues or concerns they might have.
If you need to report any incidents of anti-social, nuisance or criminal behaviour in the run-up to, or during Hallowe’en, please ring Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.
