EXTRA patrols are set to hit the streets of Gwent as police gearup for the annual Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night campaign targeting anti-social behaviour.

Gwent Police are joining forces with councils and other partner agencies to launch the BANG (Be A Nice Guy) campign, aiming to keep levels of anti-social behaviour to a minimum.

Hallowe’en is traditionally one of the busiest times for police and last year officers received 121 calls between 5pm on October 31 and 6am onNovember 1 relating to anti-social behaviour, including egg throwing.

Starting on Monday, police are launching a two-week campaign in a bid to reach those affected by antisocial behaviour and urge youngsters to behave responsibly.

Extra targeted patrols will also be implementedover thetwo-week period and officers will be organising events for youngsters to celebrate Hallowe’en in a safe and responsible environment across the area. ‘No Callers Please’pumpkinsigns will be available from neighbourhood policing teams and www.gwent.police.uk for those wishing to avoid trick or treaters and shopkeepers and schools will also be displaying posters regarding appropriate sale of flourandeggs. Lettershavebeensent to schools to remind youngsters to behave responsibly and school liaison officers will be visiting assemblies.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Prince said: “While Hallowe’en and Bonfire night are cause for celebration for some, for others especially the elderly and vulnerable, it’s a time of the year that can mean fear, anxiety and anti-social behaviour and that’swhatwewant to prevent.”

He added that throwing eggs and flour and any criminal damage or anti-socialbehaviour willnotbetolerated at any time of the year. Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area should contact 101 or 999 in an emergency.


EDITORIAL COMMENT: Make it a fun time

IT’S that time of year again when a small minority of idiots makes Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night hell for everyone else.

Gwent Police are already stepping up patrols and have teamed up with councils to launch the ‘BANG’ (Be A Nice Guy) campaign aiming to keep levels of anti-social behaviour to a minimum.

Hallowe’en is said to be one of the busiest times for police while the run-up to Bonfire Night brings its own problems with firework misuse. We urge all parents to ask themselves if you really know what your child is up to when they are out.

If the answer is no, then we suggest you make it your business to find out and help make sure that what should be a fun time for youngsters and families doesn’t turn into a nightmare.