Operation Bang

REVELLERS are being urged to be one of the good guys this Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Scarlets players have joined police, fire and council officers to urge people to enjoy themselves without spoiling things for others.

They are supporting Carmarthenshire’s Community Safety Partnership’s efforts as part of the all-Wales Operation Bang to encourage people to stay safe and not let celebrations get out of hand.

Shops are being asked not to sell eggs and flour to young people out to cause mischief, whilst pupils are being advised to act responsibly and are being given advice on the dangers of bonfires and fireworks, as the police and fire service visit local schools.

Posters have also been produced for householders to display in their windows to say whether they welcome trick or treaters. They are being distributed amongst the community and are available at the council’s customer service centres and police stations. They can also be downloaded from the council’s website www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Police will be stepping up patrols, visiting licensed premises and working with the council’s trading standards regarding the sale of fireworks.

Parents are being urged to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing and encourage them to attend organised events.

The council’s executive board member for community safety Councillor Pam Palmer said: “Halloween and Bonfire Night are enjoyed by many people but others, particularly the elderly, dread this time of year.

“We don’t want to be killjoys but would encourage people to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire Night by showing respect for others and acting responsibly.”

Executive board member for public protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Let’s make sure that Halloween and Bonfire Night go safely and nobody gets hurt. Wherever possible try to visit locally organised Halloween parties and firework displays which will be safe events.

“If you are buying party goods for Halloween and fireworks for Bonfire Night always purchase them from reputable local shops and remember when using fireworks always follow the fireworks code.

Operation Bang has been very successful in previous years and has led to a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Inspector Eric Evans said: “Some residents do worry when trick or treaters knock on their door. We want people to enjoy themselves but not to let matters get out of hand leading to people feeling threatened in their own home.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service arson reduction adviser Nick Rees said: “Mid and West Wales Fire Service is pleased to be working in partnership with Dyfed Powys Police and our partnership agencies to tackle the issues surrounding fireworks at this busy period to make our communities safer places for all to enjoy.

“The best advice from us would be to attend a properly organised public display as they are a lot safer. Please enjoy your celebrations but make sure you do so safely.”

The Community Safety Partnership includes the county council, police, fire and rescue service and other partner organisations working together to make the county a safer place for everyone.

Scarlets captain Rob McCusker added: “Fireworks and bonfire night is a great event that people of all ages can enjoy. We would definitely like to encourage young people to enjoy fireworks responsibly, however.

“There are plenty of organised events that you can attend, like the one at Parc y Scarlets, which are lots of fun but also ensure that everyone stays safe!”

Trick or treating advice:

• Always go with an adult
• Only to go to houses where you or your friends know the people and know you are welcome
• Only go to houses displaying the ‘trick or treaters’ welcome poster
• Don’t talk to strangers
• Don’t enter the house always stay on the doorstep

Fireworks safety:

Always buy fireworks that conform to British Standards. They should have BS 7114 written on the side of the box.

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to be in possession of a firework.

• It is illegal to set off fireworks after midnight on November 5.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box. Follow the instructions on each firework, light at arm’s length, and stand well back,
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Do not set off fireworks in a street or public place (unless it is an organised event).

Caption:

Pictured at the launch of Operation Bang, from left to right, back row: Carmarthenshire County Council area environmental officer Paul Morris, education welfare officer Clive Mathias, Inspector Eric Evans and son William, Tavis Knoyle and captain Rob McCusker of the Scarlets, executive board member for public protection Cllr Jim Jones, senior youth officer Huw Thomas, Fire Service arson reduction adviser Nick Rees, and front row: PCSO Jessica Grenfell, trading standards officer Vivienne Jones, and PCSO Lauren Hopkins.