Police issue half-term warning to children over anti-social Hallowe’en and Fireworks Night behaviour in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth
Police have issued a half-term warning to children in Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth not to get involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB) over Hallowe’en and Fireworks Night that could lead to injury and possible criminal action.
Insp Mark Collins, the head of neighbourhood policing for East Herts, said uniformed and plain-clothes officers would increase patrols, take a “robust approach” to youngsters involved in ASB and “use all legislation” to ensure the public’s safety.
He urged parents and guardians to make sure they know what their children are up to – and he wants people who hear of any planned activity to report it.
It follows an incident last Wednesday night when firefighters from as far as Stevenage were sent to Stortford after anti-social youths let off fireworks in the Northgate End multi-storey.
A group of about 12 boys and girls aged 15-16 were seen hurriedly heading away from the four-storey car park soon after a loud bang was heard coming from the building. Smoke billowed from the top levels and alarms went off on all floors. There was no damage to the building or vehicles.
The following afternoon, fireworks were being let off in Grange Paddocks, causing terrified dogs to run off.
In a message issued on Friday evening, Insp Collins said: “I am reaching out to all parents or guardians of young people within East Herts and seeking your support over the Hallowe’en and fireworks period.
“Typically this time of year is the busiest for anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime linked to young people, both nationally and locally. Many children enjoy this time of year, but, unfortunately, we have seen some being drawn in to taking some initial fun too far.
“In previous years we have seen fireworks being thrown into shops and posted through letterboxes, cars rolled on their sides and objects thrown at windows and doors.
“Damage has been caused to people’s homes and businesses, all in the name of fun or banter.
“These actions can lead to serious offences being committed and several young people have been criminalised.
“In some areas the ASB was planned and arranged over social media, with groups targeting locations and meeting points.
“There are vulnerable people in our community that fear Hallowe’en and are too frightened to open their doors for fear of crime. These people are often targeted by anti-social behaviour – this isn’t acceptable.
“Due to this, police will continue to increase patrols in hotspot areas, using both uniform and non-uniform officers. The patrols will be to support those enjoying the half term and Hallowe’en, but also to prevent offences being committed and keep communities safe.
“We will be taking a robust approach to those involved in ASB and will use all legislation to ensure the safety of the members of the community.
“As a parent or guardian of a young person, we would request your support during this period to keep our communities safe. We are asking that you ensure you know where your child/children is/are during the days that lead up to and after Hallowe’en and Fireworks Night.
“Please highlight to them the dangers of being drawn into behaviour that could lead to injury to themselves or others as well as possible criminal proceedings.”
Insp Collins asked anyone who hears of planned activity you report it to Herts police by phone on 101 or online at https://www.herts.police.uk/ro/report/.
“We would like to thank you in advance for your support in keeping East Herts a safe place to live, visit and work, and not allowing the behaviour of the minority to negatively impact upon communities,” he said.
