Neighbourhood policing teams in Slough are preparing to tackle anti-social behaviour during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period with a number of proactive operations.
In the run-up to Halloween, the neighbourhood teams will be working in partnership with Slough Borough Council to keep the community safe. For three nights between 30 October and 1 November, police officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Special Constables will be working late shifts, carrying out high visibility patrols across all 17 Slough neighbourhoods.
Around 20 volunteer Community Crime Fighters will be assisting the police in Slough by reporting anti-social behaviour promptly and advising residents on how to get help if they are concerned about crime and disorder.
Acting as a link between Slough residents, police and the council, Community Crime Fighters are members of the public, most of whom are already involved with community organisations such as Neighbourhood Action Groups or Neighbourhood Watch, who are trained to give advice, telling people what services are available locally to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and how they can be accessed.
As part of the drive to protect Slough people from disturbance at Halloween, crime reduction advisers are urging residents to display ‘No Trick or Treat’ posters in their doors or windows if they do not wish to be visited by trick or treaters. The posters are available free from local police stations and can also be downloaded from the Thames Valley Police website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.
In the period before, during and after Bonfire Night, the neighbourhood teams and Special Constables will continue their high-profile patrols, targeting the irresponsible use of fireworks and other types of anti-social behaviour.
Insp Andy Boomer, Community Safety inspector for Slough Local Police Area, said: "Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations can be a lot of fun, but sadly some people use this time of year as an excuse to damage property and make a nuisance of themselves.
"We are determined to ensure that everyone enjoys the festivities safely and that the public feel reassured by the strong police presence.
"We want Slough residents to feel confident that the police will not tolerate anti-social behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period."
Kam Bhatti, Slough neighbourhood crime and justice coordinator for Slough Borough Council, said: “We want people to feel safe while they’re out enjoying themselves. Months of planning has taken place so that once again, the law-abiding majority can enjoy this autumn’s festivities without their fun being spoilt by a small number of troublemakers. We’ll have all hands on deck to deter crime or disorder – these events are not an excuse for anti-social or criminal activity, and we won’t hesitate to take action against anyone who thinks they are."
Thames Valley Police
