Stay safe on Halloween and Bonfire Night

The Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP) has launched its annual safety initiative on how to stay safe over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Operation Treacle involves Stockport Council, the Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service working in partnership to ensure residents enjoy a safe and trouble free Halloween and Bonfire Night. 

Councillor Sheila Bailey, Executive member for Communities and Housing said: “Operation Treacle has been a great success in the past, trying to ensure that residents have a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire night.

“This time of the year can, however, lead to some anti-social behaviour which is why officers will be ready to deal with any problems.  It is also important to protect animals who may be scared by fireworks.  The RSPCA has advice about Bonfire Night on its webpage at www.rspca.org.uk“.

Operation Treacle will highlight dangers and possible consequences of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and fireworks misuse. An emergency services day will be held today (26th October) at Castle street, Edgeley.

Football sessions are being run in conjunction with Stockport County Community Foundation: Brinnington Park 11am-1pm, Alexandra Park Edgeley 1:30pm 3:30pm during this half-term week.

Tips to stay safe during Halloween and Bonfire Night:

Halloween

• Trick or treating? Go with an adult, visit those you know and respect others. Don’t go alone, damage property or intimidate people.

• You don’t have to open the door to trick or treaters if you don’t want to. Draw your curtains and ignore the door.

• Don’t be frightened in your own home. If trick or treaters are causing a nuisance, call police on 101.

• People should always report antisocial behaviour to police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. We treat all incidents seriously.

Bonfire Night

• Have a safe and enjoyable Bonfire Night by attending an organised display. Visit safe4autumn.com for events in your area.

• Under 18 and buying fireworks? You face a fine or a criminal record.

• If you see anybody selling fireworks to under 18s, call police on 101.

• Playing with fireworks can be fatal. Always use them responsibly, and make your Bonfire Night a night to remember for the right reasons.

• Let the police know about any temporary shops that have opened and are selling fireworks so we can check them out.

• Don’t leave bins out on Bonfire Night. Store them away.

Members of the public are advised to only buy fireworks from sellers registered with the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service. In recent years there has been an increase in the incidence of illegal and dangerous fireworks being sold by non-registered suppliers, over the internet and through mobile sellers. Residents wishing to report illegal sales of fireworks are advised to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 or email trading.standards@stockport.gov.uk

Residents can visit www.safe4autumn.com for safety advice, details of organised bonfire events or to download their own Halloween ‘Trick or Treaters welcome/not welcome’ posters.