Hallowe'en crime spree 2019: 'Prosecution will follow' warns Bishop's Stortford police sergeant
A 14-year-old boy was still in hospital on Friday (Nov 1) with "potentially serious injuries" after he was hit in the face with a firework as part of Hallowe'en-related criminal disorder Bishop's Stortford and Sawbridgeworth.
A police officer was also taken to hospital with a leg injury after yobs fired a rocket at her and one youth was arrested after being found with a hammer and drugs.
On Friday, in the aftermath of the widespread antisocial behaviour, police warned that culprits would be identified and dealt with over coming days and that prosecutions would follow.
In the three hours between 7pm and 10pm on Thursday evening (Oct 31), police were called to almost 50 incidents in Stortford and 15 in Sawbridgeworth, many of which related to youths throwing fireworks.
Sgt Mark Collins, of Stortford's safer neighbourhood policing team, warned on Friday: "Our enquiries will continue and appropriate action taken where evidentially possible.
"We are aware that a number of people may have captured incidents on CCTV or doorbell cameras, so if you have any footage which may assist us, please get in touch.
"My officers’ body-worn video and CCTV will also ensure that a number of people will be identified and dealt with over the coming days."
The Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night period tends to be the busiest of the year for police, so Hertfordshire Constabulary planned a large-scale operation both locally and county-wide to deal with the widespread disorder.
"While the majority of the community marked Hallowe'en sensibly, there were unfortunately a number of local young people who saw it as an opportunity to display mindless and often dangerous behaviour, causing misery for residents," said Sgt Collins.
"In some instances the fireworks were thrown directly at officers, leaving one requiring hospital treatment for a leg injury. This is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"As a result of this behaviour, a section 35 dispersal order was put in place across Thorley and the Havers estate at 9pm. A number of teenagers were dispersed and, if under 16, taken home to their parents.
"One person was arrested after being found in possession of a hammer and cannabis, and a large number of display fireworks were seized from young children. Prosecution will follow.
"At 9.30pm, a vehicle was overturned in the Norfolk Way area of Bishop’s Stortford, with a number of young people seen to run off into Diamond Park. The vehicle has been recovered by police.
"A 14-year-old boy remains in hospital this morning with potentially serious injuries after having a firework fired into his face in Sawbridgeworth. Local crime team detectives are investigating and speaking with the victim and family."
Officers are dealing with the aftermath of October 31 while looking ahead to Bonfire Night. "With celebrations taking place over the next few days, we will be continuing with our high-visibility patrols in a bid to deter any further issues," said Sgt Collins.
"We will also be visiting local businesses to ensure they are adhering to the strict criteria around the sale of fireworks and this will include test purchase operations.
"Lastly, but very importantly, the majority of young people officers dealt with were local residents. Some were in possession of some very expensive fireworks and I would ask parents to please ensure they know exactly where there children are and what they are getting up to."
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