A senior Merseyside Police officer has issued some advice to people ahead of Halloween's usual spike in anti-social behaviour.
Inspector Dave Morgan issued the guidance ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night to minimise the likelihood of people falling victim to criminality. Inspector Morgan said: "A lot of anti-social behaviour is not planned in advance. Keep your wheelie bin out of sight and out of reach - and the same goes for your garden furniture."
Inspector Morgan said vandals and burglars tend to target homes that are in darkness. He added: "Put your lights on, or if you are out, put them on a timer." The final piece of advice was regarding what to do with trick or treaters on Halloween night.
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Insp Morgan said: "Most trick or treaters are in it for the sweets, so if you you are not comfortable opening the door maybe think about putting a tub out. Remember if they still knock you don't have to answer."
Merseyside Police has also launched a number of initiatives to keep children off the streets ahead of the spike in anti-social behaviour commonly seen at this time of year. Merseyside's Police and Crime commissioner Emily Spurrell has launched a fund to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour while also giving young people across the region better opportunities for safe activities.
A police spokesperson said the commissioner has awarded funding to 27 grassroots initiatives which will use the money to divert 6,000 young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour. This year saw an increase in the number of grassroots organisations bidding to keep young people fed during the school break. There was also an increase in community groups applying to heat centres during the extra opening hours as utility costs soar.
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: " Halloween and Bonfire Night are a time of great fun and excitement for many people across Merseyside, but sometimes it can go too far and sadly we know some communities still see an increase in criminal and anti-social behaviour. This often makes it a particularly busy time for the police and the fire service.
“I’m hoping to help reduce the pressure on local people and our blue light services by awarding grants to 27 fantastic grassroots initiatives with the aim of preventing crime and providing engaging, safe and supervised activities for nearly 6,000 young people across Merseyside.
“While each of these individual grants are only relatively small, our fantastic voluntary and third sector really know how to make the most of such a cash boost to benefit their local communities. They have proposed a host of imaginative and creative projects which will support the excellent diversionary work carried out by the police and fire service and will make a huge difference in keeping young people safe.
“By using these grants to fund a wide range of well-organised community activities, my goal is to ensure young people can enjoy the autumn festivities in a safe and enjoyable way, without getting drawn into any activities which could become intimidating, anti-social or even dangerous to other members of the community.”
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