Fun, not fright, on Halloween and Bonfire Nights

The Enfield Council and the Met Police and the Fire Brigade will all work together in order to make these events run as a safely as possible. If anyone is seen behaving inappropriately it would be dealt with as a criminal offence. The police of Enfield are also making visits to schools to talk about anti social behaviour and how to stay safe to children. Spotters, police cadets and Enfield Council’s expert CCTV team will also be around to make sure everyone has fun safely. Businesses will also be closely monitored for the sales of knives and fireworks. Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Public Health, Cllr Krystle Fonyonga, said: “We want residents to enjoy themselves over Halloween and Bonfire Night. “There are some wonderful events taking place across the borough. Unfortunately, there are a few bad apples that will intentionally cause fear, alarm or distress. We’d like these few to realise that their actions could be considered a criminal offence under the Public Order Act.

Your tenancy could even be affected if you commit anti-social behaviour and deliberate carelessness or intimidation with fireworks could result in a charge of criminal damage, actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm and therefore a criminal record and potentially a jail sentence. “We will be working closely with our partners to immediately detect and respond to any incidents in the borough. Remember to stay safe, enjoy Enfield and have fun.” Enfield Council visited volunteers at Forty Hall to help promote the “fun not fright” message. The actors dressed in frightening garb to promote Forty Hall’s Fright Night. Meanwhile, a handy list of tips and hints has been put together to help everyone enjoy themselves. However, if you see any behaviour that alarms you over Halloween or Bonfire Night, please call the police non-emergency number on 101. Anti-social behaviour can be reported online at new.enfield.gov.uk/services/nuisances. In an emergency, always call 999. Here are our top tips:

Enjoying a safe Halloween:
• Don’t knock on doors displaying a no trick-or-treat sign
• Always go trick-or-treating with an adult
• Plan your route; only go to places where you and your friends know residents
• Keep visible; stay in areas that are well lit and take a torch
• Don’t talk to strangers in the street
• Don’t enter a stranger’s house
• Be careful crossing the road
• Be mindful of vulnerable people

Rules on fireworks:
• You must be over 18 to buy fireworks
• It is illegal to possess fireworks in a public place if you are under 18
• It is an offence to throw or let-off a firework in a street or public place
• If you let off fireworks between 23:00 and 07:00 you will be breaking the law (except on Bonfire night when it extends to midnight)