In one of the biggest operations of its kind, youth workers and police officers are primed to hit the streets over Halloween weekend in 69 areas targeted by the Youth Crime Action Plan in a bid to combat antisocial behaviour.
Feedback from police forces across the country repeatedly shows an increase in crime over Halloween.
The confiscation of alcohol from underage drinkers will form an important
part of the operation.
Young people at risk of becoming involved in crime will also be removed from the streets and taken to a place of safety where parents will be called to collect them under a programme called Operation Staysafe.
In addition, there will be 850 positive activities taking place over Friday and Saturday in the 69 areas providing a safe environment for young people to enjoy Halloween. These activities will include:
- sporting events,
performance arts groups & 'dry' discos;
- police officers, youth workers, housing officers and community safety
officers in Salford working alongside members of the community on 'voluntary
community patrols';
- a side road being transformed in Nottingham into a 100m athletics track for
young people to take part in races; &
- Operation Staysafe running in three areas of Liverpool known for having high levels of antisocial behaviour.
Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP said:
"The vast majority of young people are sensible and law-abiding and will be out enjoying the Halloween weekend without incident. However, there is always a minority who take things too far and this operation will seek those people out and stop them committing crime and antisocial behaviour so the majority can enjoy the seasonal fun.
"We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour on our streets and will seek to stamp it out wherever it happens."
