Issued on: Monday 28 October 2019
Celebrate Safely This Halloween
People across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being reminded to ‘Celebrate Safely’ this Halloween and only call 999 in an emergency.
Last year 816 incidents were reported to Leicestershire Police in the 24-hour period of October 31, including calls about anti-social behaviour related to trick or treating. Some 413 of these incident calls came through on the 999 emergency line.
The force hopes to reduce the number of complaints about Halloween related anti-social behaviour this year, while also encouraging people to trick or treat respectfully.
Superintendent Grant Wills who leads the Contact Management Department said: “We want people to enjoy Halloween, but it’s important to remember that the actions of a few can cause unnecessary alarm and distress. We’re asking trick or treaters to respect people’s wishes and only go where they are welcome. We also ask that they don’t play tricks on people that cause them to report it to the police.
“The force has a poster available to download for those who wish to say a polite ‘No thanks’ message to any trick or treaters on their door or window and we would ask that this is respected by everyone.
“We would also ask that people only call 999 in an emergency.”
Councillor Piara Singh Clair, Deputy City Mayor and chair of Leicester City Council’s Safer Leicester Partnership, said: “We are fortunate to have so many wonderful festivals and celebrations taking place in Leicester at this time of year.
“We are pleased to be part of this campaign which aims to ask our communities to enjoy the festive season as safely as possible; so that not only they, but also their friends and neighbours, have the best time possible.”
Ivan Ould, county council cabinet member for community safety, said: “We want people to enjoy the festivities over the next few months, but again we urge people to celebrate safely. Our IMPACT team will be working closely with young people in areas of the county by spreading the message to keep safe and not get involved in anti-social behaviour. Halloween should be a fun event for all.”
Councillor Alan Walters, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Rutland County Council and Chair of the Safer Rutland Partnership, said: “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, whether you’re celebrating or not.
“It’s important that residents feel safe and are reassured that people won’t be knocking on their door at night if they don’t want visitors. Likewise, we want trick-or-treaters to have a great time, take care and think about their own safety while out and about.”
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are also encouraging parents to be vigilant with candles and fancy-dress costumes.
Wayne Gale, Station Manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Whether you are celebrating Halloween at home or out and about, we want everyone to enjoy themselves safely.
“If you are dressing up for Halloween, make sure fancy-dress costumes and masks are labelled as flame-resistant. Don’t use flammable materials to make home-made costumes and be especially careful if you use bin liners as capes.
“To limit the risk of fire and children being exposed to naked flames, consider using battery-operated LED tea lights rather than candles in pumpkins.
“Please visit the Celebrate Safely website for more information on how to keep you and your family safe. A few minutes of your time could help protect you, your family and your friends as well as your property and belongings.”
The Celebrate Safely campaign, takes place across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and provides useful safety tips and advice, during the many celebrations and events at this time of the year.
It involves Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council and the district and borough councils.
For more information visit www.celebratesafely.com.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Interviews can be arranged through prior arrangement with Corporate Communications on the details below.
About the Service
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency response, prevention and protection services from 20 stations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Its headquarters is based in Birstall, Leicester.
During 2018/19, the Service attended 762 road traffic collisions, of which 125 were extrications from vehicles, in addition to 2,569 fires. We carried out 6,746 home safety checks and fitted 4,790 smoke alarms. 279 schools were visited as part of the Service’s schools programme, delivering fire and road safety education to pupils. Staff organised or took part in 1,068 community safety events, promoting fire and road safety and arson prevention, and 134 Virtual Fatal Four (VF4) events as part of the Service’s young drivers’ road safety project.
The Service’s prevention, education, enforcement and inspection programmes have resulted in significant reductions in the number of incidents. In the last ten years, fire-related incidents have reduced by over 30 percent.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
Direct: 0116 210 5592
Corporate.communications@leics-fire.gov.uk
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