Halloween and Bonfire Night crime prevention and safety
For a lot of people Halloween and Bonfire Night can be a night of celebration, especially for families with young children.
We want everyone to enjoy themselves, have fun and stay safe.
To help make sure this happens, we will be working closely with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, local councils and community safety partners to help protect residents by tackling nuisance, anti-social and criminal behaviour.
Know the law about fireworks
The biggest issue at this time of year is the misuse of fireworks. People may only use fireworks on private property, such as their back gardens, and only licensed professionals can use them in public places.
People who choose to use fireworks illegally could be fined, arrested or get a criminal conviction. This includes behaviour such as:
- Throwing a firework in the street
- Making a bonfire in the street
- Throwing fireworks at properties, vehicles and people.
Having a criminal record can affect you and the decisions you want to make for the rest of your life.
That’s why our key message for this year is to ‘Be safe, not sorry’.
Watch our video which highlights the consequences of having a criminal record and share it with people who need to know.
Simple tips to deter anti-social behaviour
Please follow these simple tips to help protect yourself and your home:
- A lot of antisocial behaviour isn’t planned in advance - it’s opportunistic. Don’t give them the opportunity. Get your wheelie bins out of reach and, if you can, out of sight. The same goes for garden furniture and ornaments.
- If you’ve got gates, keep them closed. It creates a psychological barrier, as well as a physical one.
- If you can, put your car in the garage rather than leaving it on the drive or on the street.
- Vandals and burglars won’t choose to target well-lit areas if there are easy alternatives. Keep your lights on. If you’re out, put them on a timer. Maybe get a motion sensor flood light. Keep your home security cameras on and visible if you’ve got them.
- If you’re not comfortable answering the door, maybe think about putting out a tub of sweets and a sign for your door.
What to do if you see anti-social behaviour
You have an important role to play in helping to keep our communities safe by reporting anything that doesn't feel right: from aggressive, noisy or abusive behaviour to underage firework selling.
You’ll never get into trouble for reporting a genuine concern and we’ll always take your report seriously.
If you’ve witnessed antisocial behaviour, please report it to us by using our online form, by instant messaging @merpolCC, or by calling 101. Reports are dealt with by our control room in exactly the same way, however you choose to contact us. If it's an emergency, always call 999.
Safe and enjoyable actvities near where you live:
Looking for things to do this Halloween and bonfire season? Below is a list of activities taking place in your area. You can also find out about events and activities funded by the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner by visiting her website here:
Wirral
- Wirral Multicultural Centre, Birkenhead: Celebratory event with food, music and dancing. Click here for more information.
- Courtney Park Community Centre, Rock Ferry: Halloween Disco with food, drinks and arts and crafts. Visit their Facebook page here for more information
Sefton
- Rampworx Skatepark, Bootle: Free Halloween and Bonfire Night events for children aged 9 to 16 years old. Click here for more information.
Liverpool
- New Horizons, Belle Vale: Youth event, free entertainment. Click here for more information
- Edge Hill Youth and Community Centre, Liverpool: Owl and wildlife visit, food and craft event. Visit their Facebook page here for more information
- Liverpool Six Community Association, Liverpool: Bonfire night themed party. Visit their Facebook page here for more information:
- Deysbrook Village Centre, Liverpool: Family/children’s Halloween party
Click here for more information - Ibijoke Childrens Foundation, Liverpool: Day of dancing and food for the Community. Click here for more information.
- Ellergreen Community Centre, Norris Green, Liverpool: Youth and play project. Click here for more information
- Team Oasis Childrens Charity, Liverpool: Youth group event. Click here for more information
- Target Football, Liverpool: Halloween Party at the clubhouse at Admiral Park in L8. Click here for more information
Knowsley
- Centre 63/Southdene Community Centre, Knowsley: Perception Theatre performance. Click here for more information#
St Helens
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FuzzFest: football tournaments with Liverpool Football Club coaches, arts and crafts, and lots of other fun and exciting indoor activities. Visit the local police Facebook page here for details