Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service are coordinating a safety operation for Halloween and Bonfire Night this year, with additional policing and partnership activity planned to tackle antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and firework misuse.
Because Halloween and Bonfire Night fall during the school half-term break, the organisations are increasing enforcement activity across the region. The operation is supported through the Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership, which brings together more than 20 organisations including local authorities, housing associations and charities.
What the enforcement operation includes
Merseyside Police will work alongside TravelSafe teams to identify offenders on the public transport network. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities will remove unsafe bonfires, while the Council's Trading Standards officers will target illegal firework sales.
High-visibility police patrols will take action where antisocial behaviour, criminal damage or firework misuse causes harm or distress to communities. Last year saw a small reduction in reported incidents, according to Merseyside Police.
Youth activities and education
Hundreds of young people across Merseyside will have access to positive activities during the Halloween and Bonfire period, funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership through the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES).
Thirty community organisations across the region have been awarded grants to deliver Halloween parties, youth club sessions, live music performances, community bonfire events and family-friendly celebrations. Young people will also participate in creative projects including music performances developed through YES-funded workshops.
Schools across Merseyside are helping children and young people understand the dangers of antisocial behaviour, fire-setting and firework misuse using Pol-Ed, a free online platform providing lesson plans, videos and classroom resources.
How to report concerns
Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour or firework misuse can contact Merseyside Police via social media, through AI Bobbi on the force website, or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Always call 999 if a crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger or there is a threat to life.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, said the council will continue to support the operation through prevention, education and enforcement, including clearing hazardous materials from unofficial bonfire sites that pose fire risks.