Keeping Hampshire's Streets Safe This Halloween
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Hampshire County Council's Accredited Community Safety Officers (ACSOs) will take to the streets across the county to help try to prevent any nasty surprises for residents this Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Every year police receive calls from people across the county who have been frightened or disturbed by trick or treaters and fireworks. This year, teams of ACSOs will work alongside partners in Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service on the evening of Wednesday 31 October and the weekend leading up to Monday 5 November, to help prevent as many of these incidents as possible.
By carrying out high-visibility patrols on foot and in marked vehicles, the ACSOs provide a visible presence in Hampshire's towns and villages to help reduce the fear of crime and deter anti-social behaviour.
The officers deal with low-level crime that has a big impact on people's feelings of safety and security, such as vandalism, underage drinking, untaxed vehicles, cycling on footpaths, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles.
ACSOs are able to share details of these incidents and any intelligence with local police, councils and Hampshire County Council Trading Standards. In cases of firework, alcohol, cigarette or spray-paint confiscations from youngsters for example, this information may then lead to Trading Standards reminding retailers of their legal responsibilities and carrying out test purchasing operations on premises suspected of selling these age-restricted items.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber said: "This time of the year can be fun for many people, but for some of our more vulnerable and elderly residents it can be a frightening time.
"Parents and children should be mindful that some of these members of our community do not wish to participate in Halloween and Bonfire activities and may in fact feel intimidated by groups of people calling at their doors."
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