Police and fire service warn of darker night dangers

POLICE and fire officers are urging everyone to take care as the nights draw in — particularly young people.

The services have teamed up to relaunch their Dark Nights campaign, which offers safety advice and reassurance around Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night.

They are highlighting the potentially fatal harm which can be caused by playing with explosives, with the hard-hitting Connor’s Story campaign.

And extra police patrols will also aim to discourage antisocial behaviour by would-be fire-starters.

Supt Colin McFarlane, South Yorkshire Police’s force lead for antisocial behaviour, said: “Bonfire Night and Hallowe'en are celebrated by all ages.

“Whilst we want them to be enjoyed by all, it is important that members of the public act both safely and responsibly.

“Our priority remains keeping everyone safe and we will be working with our colleagues from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue to educate everyone around the dangers of firework misuse and how issues or concerns around Bonfire Night, Hallowe’en and ‘mischief night’, can be reported.

“There are lots of safety precautions everyone can take to prevent Hallowe’en and Bonfire night from being remembered for all of the wrong reasons.”

Examples include not leaving rubbish or old furniture lying around, where firebugs might use it for fuel.

Wheelie bins should also be kept securely out of sight, behind a locked gate until collection day.

Simon Dunker, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s group manager, added: “Our firefighters often report seeing youngsters fleeing the scene of fires around this time of year.

“Whilst we’re not suggesting all kids are at fault, we know that young people often think they are invincible and that setting fires is just a bit of fun.

“The reality is though that playing with fire can have serious consequences that will stay with them forever.

“That is why it is for us as parents, relatives, teachers, coaches, firefighters and police officers to educate them around the consequences of deliberate fire setting and other anti-social behaviour.”

Mr Dunker urged parents to find out their children’s Bonfire Night plans and talk to them about fire risks.

Anyone witnessing firework misuse can report it to police on 101, or on 999 in an emergency.

But Supt McFarlane urged anyone thinking of dialling 999 to consider carefully whether the risk is immediate, as call volumes peak at this time of year.

Visit www.southyorkshire.police.uk/darknights for more information or to download a South Yorkshire Police ‘no trick or treaters here’ poster.