POLICE have warned that 'swift' action will be taken against anyone caught committing anti-social behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

As part of a campaign launched today, parents are urged to help keep communities safe by taking responsibility for their children's whereabouts and be mindful of elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may feel frightened or intimidated by fireworks and 'trick-or-treat' callers.

Shopkeepers are also warned not to sell any items that can be misused to cause damage, such as eggs, flour and cans of shaving foam.

Chief inspector Paddy Kelly, who is heading this year's operation for Merseyside Police, said: "This is always a fun time of year and we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the organised events and activities safely.

"Our message during this period is simple – anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone caught committing this type of offence will be dealt with firmly and robustly.

"No one should have to suffer being the victim of anti-social behaviour and I would like to reassure everyone that there will be extra high-visibility patrols during this time.

"We know the vast majority of young people have respect for other people and their property but we know the behaviour of some can go beyond fun.

"I would urge those young people who may be considering behaving in an unacceptable way to think about what you are doing and how you may make other people feel.

"Anyone involved in criminal behaviour could be arrested and receive a fine, a criminal record or even jail time.

"If your child is under 16 then you will be liable for payment of any fine.

"By taking some simple steps it could prevent that knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or, worse still, has been involved in a serious accident."

Michael Buratti, arson team manager for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service said: "We would like everyone to enjoy the Halloween and Bonfire period as safely as possible.

"Organised events are the best way to watch and enjoy fireworks and bonfires with your family and friends as they provide a safe environment.

"Deliberately started fires on the run up to bonfire night are a huge drain on already overstretched Fire Service resources.

"Attending such fires may delay our response to a life threatening incident.

"We would urge people on the run-up to bonfire night to report any build-up of combustible materials that could be used for deliberate fires by calling 0800 731 5958 or via our Facebook and Twitter pages."

Firework facts:

  • It is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks, shops should refuse to sell to people under 18 and ask for proof of age if there is any doubt.
  • It is against the law to carry or use adult fireworks if you are under 18. An adult firework is any firework except a cap, cracker snap, novelty match, party popper, serpent, sparkler or throw down
  • Under the Explosives Act of 1875, It is illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place
  • It is illegal to sell fireworks form unregistered/licensed premises
  • Don't light fireworks after 11pm, or midnight on 5 November

Police have issued the following safety advice:

Do's:

  • Only trick or treat in your own neighbourhood and stick with an adult, if possible
  • Stay in well-lit areas where there are plenty of houses
  • Make sure an adult knows the area you plan to visit and what time you'll be back
  • Look out for 'no callers please' posters and respect your neighbours
  • Keep to pavements and trick or treat on one side of the street before crossing safely to the other side - don't criss-cross
  • Lock away any building materials if you’re having work done
  • If you have a wheelie bin avoid leaving it visible at the front of your home
  • Tidy away anything at the front of your home that could be used for an illegal bonfire

Don'ts

  • Don't cut through back alleys, parks or fields, and don't trick or treat too far from home
  • Don't go alone - take an adult with you or stay in a group
  • Wait to eat any treats until you get home so that an adult can check them
  • Don’t allow children to leave the house with eggs or flour