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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Anti-social behaviour – general, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. 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.
We’ve created an activity pack which can be downloaded by teachers and parents to help keep their youngsters entertained and to get them in the spooky spirit.
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."
Who to contact
To help us keep our lines free for those who need us most, please ensure you’re contacting the most relevant agency and using the most appropriate means of contact.
Concerns around antisocial behaviour and public safety is a matter for the police. If not an emergency, you can contact us via the following means:
Live chat: https://www.south-wales.police.uk/
Report online
101
In an emergency, always dial 999.
 Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 aims to put victims first, giving power to local people and enabling professionals to find the best solutions for their local area. The act provides the police, local authorities and other local agencies with flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour. These include: civil injunctions. criminal behaviour orders. public spaces protection orders. community protection notices. dispersal powers. closure powers. ASB Case review
Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm to an individual, to their community or to their environment. This could be an action by someone else that leaves you feeling alarmed, harassed, or distressed. It also includes fear of crime or concern for public safety, public disorder, or public nuisance. Examples of anti-social behaviour include: · Nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours · Vandalism, graffiti, and flyposting · Street drinking · Environmental damage including littering, dumping of rubbish and abandonment of cars · Prostitution related activity · Fireworks misuse · Inconsiderate or inappropriate use of vehicles If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.south-wales.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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