Police ready to tackle anti-social behaviour across Bonfire period

Date published: 31 October 2024


Greater Manchester Police will be out across neighbourhoods throughout the region over the coming days, to ensure the safety and security of local communities.

With the clocks going back and the Halloween and Bonfire night period well and truly here, officers will be working closely with partners and fellow emergency service colleagues to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour and crime.

The bonfire night period can be a busy one for emergency services, and police are well equipped and prepared to deal with issues that can arise in conjunction with both the fire and ambulance services, remaining in close contact to coordinate the best action in any given situation.

Officers will be on patrol across hotspots, to proactively tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, nuisance fireworks, and issues relating to fires and crowds.

Specialist resources will be in place to support local teams where necessary.

Additionally, officers and partners have been out in schools to make young people aware of the dangers and risks of fireworks, while various districts have worked with Trading Standards to visit stores selling fireworks, to ensure they are doing so in the legal and correct way.

GMP are also supporting Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Bang Out Of Order’ campaign – you can read more about the work between the services here.

Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle, force lead for anti-social behaviour at Greater Manchester Police, said: “Quite simply, we want to put the message out there that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour, nor attacks or abuse against emergency service workers simply doing their jobs during this period.

"Anyone who engages in such behaviour can expect to be met with the full force of the law.

“Anti-social behaviour is not a low-level crime – it can cause people misery and we are absolutely committed to tackling it in whatever way we can.

"Whether this is through preventative work with partners, or making early-morning visits to offenders, neighbourhood teams across Greater Manchester work hard throughout the year to tackle the nuisance and disruption of ASB.

“In particular for this period, numerous officers will be working closely with fire and ambulance colleagues to ensure smooth communication and the best response to any ongoing issues.

“I hope that people enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely, and would urge anyone with any issues to get in touch with their local policing team.”


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