Not Fun for Everyone - OP Bang

Not Fun for Everyone - OP Bang

Pumpkin-carving, fancy dress and spectacular firework displays; Halloween and Bonfire Night are often highlights in the family calendar.

But with a small minority seeing the autumnal events as an excuse to act in an antisocial manner, the period can leave many in our communities feeling anxious, intimidated and fearful. 

With that in mind, South Wales Police will once again be supporting Op Bang, helping our communities to enjoy the festivities safely while asking them to remember that Halloween and Bonfire Night are Not Fun For Everyone.

The period is traditionally extremely busy for the emergency services; last year South Wales Police received 1,778 calls for service* on Halloween, October 31st, and a further 1,721 on November 5th, Bonfire Night. 

Of those calls, 840 were via the emergency 999 number on Halloween, while 663 emergency calls were received on Bonfire Night. 

While demand often peaks on those dates, the period before, during and after those dates is also often extremely busy, placing additional demand on police and partners.

Our officers will continue to be visible in our communities in the run up to, and during, the festivities to help prevent and detect antisocial behaviour (ASB) and disorder.

Neighbourhood teams will be working closely with local authority partners and retailers during the next few weeks, reminding everyone of their responsibilities and sharing materials which can be displayed in shops to how a united front against ASB.

Our School Liaison Co-ordinators and partner agencies will also be visiting schools throughout the force area to educate pupils on the dangers of fireworks and bonfires as well as the consequences of antisocial behaviour.

Chief Inspector and Force Lead for Anti-social Behaviour (ASB), Anthony Williams, said:

"As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, we recognise these events bring excitement and enjoyment to many people, but they can also cause concern within our communities. To help prevent fireworks-related disorder and anti-social behaviour, we will be working closely with the fire and rescue service, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST), and our wider partners.

"Anti-social behaviour, arson and other criminal activity can have serious consequences, including arrest, fines and imprisonment. We urge everyone to celebrate safely and respectfully so that communities can enjoy these occasions in a positive and responsible way.

"We ask people to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe, while remembering that not everyone wants to take part in these celebrations.

"We anticipate a busy period for all emergency services and will have increased patrols in known anti-social behaviour hotspots. We encourage members of the public to report concerns and contact us if they need assistance.

"Keeping our communities, emergency service colleagues and officers safe remains our priority. We will be supported by specialist resources and partners throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

"Finally, we ask parents and guardians to speak openly with young people about their plans, know where they are and who they are with, and where possible accompany them when trick-or-treating or attending organised firework events, helping to ensure everyone celebrates safely and respectfully."

What can I do as a parent?

Young people often feel they are blamed as the main cause of anti-social behaviour; the stereotype arises largely from the fact that groups of young people often hang out on the streets. Certain behaviour, which is not always intended to cause nuisance, can be perceived by people in the community as ASB when it has an impact on their everyday lives.

It is recommended you have talk to your child about ASB when the time comes that you let them venture out without you, in just the same way you would talk to them about staying safe. Explain how their behaviour will affect others and how it can be perceived, encouraging them to be mindful and considerate. It is also important to make them aware of the consequences for them and the family if they became involved in causing ASB.

Before they go out, ask them:

Tell them:

Access to Alcohol:

Young people can also be the victims of crime and disorder:

Wishing you all a safe and happy Halloween & Bonfire Night