Be a Nice Guy this Halloween and Bonfire Night

A campaign urging everyone to have fun, but stay safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night is back with a bang.

Operation Be a Nice Guy (Op BANG) runs throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, and spreads the message that we can all have fun without being a nuisance.

Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Community Safety Partnerships in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys are involved in the all-Wales campaign encouraging people to be considerate to anyone who doesn’t wish to join in the celebrations.

The main message is to enjoy fireworks from a safe distance, and always at an organised event, and if trick or treating, only calling on those who want to take part.

Inspector Ian Richards said: “Trick or treating at Halloween is a tradition that children enjoy and something that is growing in popularity. It’s important that children have fun but without causing concern for others.

“We’re carrying out a lot of work in the lead up to Halloween and Bonfire Night to make sure everyone is aware of how to have fun, but stay safe, to prevent anti-social behaviour and other criminal activity at this time of year.

“We’re also making sure young people understand there are consequences to bad behaviour. We will issue anti-social behaviour warnings and make arrests where necessary.”

Arson Reduction Manager Will Bowen, of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Remember that safety is the key to having a safe and successful November the 5th. We would always advise people to attend an organised event, however, there are steps that can be taken to ensure people have the safest possible night.

“If you are planning a bonfire we insist that you contact the Fire Service ahead of time on 01268 909404 and provide us with a name of responsible person and contact telephone number,  date, time and location of the bonfire and how the fire will be extinguished after the event or if it gets out of control.”

A number of initiatives are underway, including visiting schools to explain how to enjoy the festivities safely and without causing anyone else around them any harassment, alarm or distress.

Visits are also being made to vulnerable people to make sure their homes are safe and they feel safe and to retailers to control the sale of fireworks, as well as eggs and flour.

Police officers are also giving out posters for people to place in their windows to show whether they welcome trick or treaters or not. Or they are available from download on the Dyfed Powys Police website.

Visit www.dyfed-powys.police.uk and www.mawwfire.gov.uk for further information, and keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter feeds @DyfedPowys, @mawwfire). Use #SpookSafe and #OpBang to join the conversation.