Halloween and Bonfire Night are fast approaching and Police in Lambeth have commenced their seasonal crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour.

Police officers, PCSO’s from Lambeth Safer Neighbourhoods Teams plus enhanced numbers of special constables and cadets are being deployed to provide a greater police presence on the streets through operational activity to deter a small number of people from ruining the fun for the vast majority.

The Key safety advice being issued by the police is:

Advice to parents and carers:

• Make sure you know where your children are and who they are with;
• Go with them trick or treating if you can;
• Keep fireworks in a safe place in the house;
• Report any anti-social behaviour or concerns to your Safer Neighbourhoods Team;
• Attend organised events wherever possible.

Advice to young people:

• We want you to enjoy yourselves but won’t tolerate unacceptable behaviour or anti-social behaviour;
• Ensure you are safe by staying with others;
• Attend organised events wherever possible;
• When trick or treating avoid knocking on the doors of elderly or vulnerable neighbours and causing unnecessary worry;

Keeping your home secure:

• Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes;
• Make sure UPVC doors are properly locked with a key;
• Make sure the side and/or back gate is locked;
• Lock your shed or garage;
• Make sure that any valuables are out of sight;
• Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home;
• Don’t leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, windows or your letterbox.

As part of this, Lambeth council and the police have issued a poster which can be displayed should you not wish to receive trick or treaters at your door, click here to download the poster.