Police plan for a serene Hallowe'en

the Halloween flyers being hand out to the public

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POLICE are looking to stamp out any antisocial behaviour up to and during Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night celebrations.

For many it's a time of parties and fun with the family, but some communities are plagued with nuisance crime and there are dangers to children from fires and fireworks.

Greater Manchester Police is taking part in the annual Treacle campaign which focuses on tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) and criminal damage.

Representatives from GMP, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), local authorities, the Health and Safety Executive and Transport for Greater Manchester are working together to ensure that people remain as safe as possible during the celebrations.

GMP is advising everyone that it is always safer to go to organised events where possible and is reminding people of the law around the sale and use of fireworks - you must be over 18 to buy or use fireworks.

Representatives from GMP and GMFRS will be holding a live Twitterchat tonight from 6-7.30pm to give people the chance to ask any questions or voice any concerns they may have about this time of year. This could be about the threat of ASB or the dangers of fire and fireworks.

A poster has been created which can be displayed and shows trick or treaters if they are welcome or not - these can be picked up from local neighbourhood teams or downloaded at www.safe4autumn.com - there's also a host of useful information on the Safe4Autumn website.

Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson said: "We want people to have fun throughout Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night but we urge people to behave responsibly and respect their neighbours and everyone around them.

"I would like to remind people that antisocial behaviour, such as setting bins on fire, misuse of fireworks and other criminal damage won't be tolerated. Such behaviour could result in a police visit, a £90 fine, arrest and even a criminal record.

"Don't underestimate the impact on those who are victims of the crimes associated to this time of year; so consider them before you act and instead enjoy yourselves sensibly."

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr David Acton, said: "We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night. This is an exciting time of year for lots of people, but it can be very dangerous if people don't take extra care.

"We would advise everyone to attend one of the many fantastic locally organised fireworks displays rather than holding their own - you'll get far more entertainment for your money.

"If you do have a display at home always follow the fireworks code, keep your Hallowe'en costumes away from naked flames and make sure you build your bonfire well away from anything else which might set alight.

"There is lots of advice on how to stay safe on www.safe4autumn.com and you can also watch a playlist of videos all about Bonfire Night and Hallowe'en on our YouTube channel."

People can report antisocial behaviour by calling police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111, unless it is an emergency, in which case please call 999.