In the build up to Halloween and Bonfire Night, agencies from across North East Lincolnshire are once again joining forces to ensure that the season goes with a bang for all the right reasons.

The Safer and Stronger Communities partnership involving North East Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue Services are taking a joint approach to ensure that the public stay safe at this time of the year.

Their work includes offering advice and monitoring activity in relation to the legal use and possession of fireworks. Additionally, engagement opportunities will be offered to young people around the area encouraging them to participate safely in the seasonal festivities, whilst residents will be urged to refrain from gathering refuse to build bonfires locally.

Spencer Hunt, Safer and Stronger Communities manager, is confident that the collective work from all partners will mean that everyone will enjoy their celebrations.

Mr Hunt said: “We’ve put into a place a number of measures in the build up to Halloween and Bonfire Night to ensure that businesses, the community and agencies work together to ensure that young people, families and vulnerable people enjoy the season.

“We don’t want to spoil people’s fun but this is about ensuring that they do this responsibly and not at the cost of other people’s well-being. We will be issuing a host of advice over the following weeks but initially we want people to start planning what firework and bonfire displays they will enjoy. We would like to encourage people to attend organised events rather than putting on their own displays as often this is where problems can occur.”

The following organised events are taking place:

1/11/14 – Pleasure Island Fireworks Display. 1430 – 2000

2/11/14 – Blossom Way Fireworks Display. 1730 – 2000

5/11/14 – Lucarly’s Fireworks Display. 1700 – 2000

7/11/14 – Scartho Rugby Club. 1800 – 2200

8/11/14 – Waltham Windmill Fireworks Display. 1700 -2100

Inspector Andy Parsons said: “Our aim through Operation Kincorth continues to be to make sure the public can enjoy the festivities at this time of year safely and without having to put up with the sort of anti social behaviour that a small minority of people were responsible for carrying out in previous years.

“As ever, Officers in North East Lincolnshire will be working closely with our partners and communities to ensure that those who want to have fun on Halloween and Bonfire night can do so without the small minority of trouble makers causing problems and potential hazards during the run up and on the nights themselves.

“I would also ask the public to think about their homes and valuables when leaving the house, or parking their cars to go and watch a display. Sadly trick or treaters may not be the only potential visitors looking to come away from your house with a prize, or to have a quick look what you might have left in your unattended vehicle.

“Please make sure your doors and other easy access points are securely locked, even if you are in your garden enjoying fireworks or simply in another part of your home and this could greatly reduce the chances of becoming a crime victim.

“Finally we particularly ask that while enjoying the Halloween and Bonfire night period, all members of the public look to do so in a way that will not harm or upset others. Parents and those with caring responsibilities for children have a very important part to play and should know where their children are, what they are doing and ensure that they have an understanding that not everybody will be wishing to take part in the ‘festive spirit’ and to respect their privacy and wishes accordingly.”

If you are a Trick or Treater you are urged to follow the Haunter’s Code. Householders can use our posters to indicate whether Trick or Treaters are welcome.

The Haunters Code

No Trick or Treaters