With celebrations for Halloween and Bonfire Night fast approaching, North Wales Police and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are once again joining up to promote the Be A Nice Guy (BANG) campaign, aiming to promote safe celebrations.

The campaign is being run alongside Community Safety Partnerships and local councils. It will feature events aimed at young people which will run from October 21^st to November 6^th in order to promote safety.

The events will be held and organised by local Policing teams and partners, all funded by the Arson Reduction Team, North Wales Fire and Rescue and North Wales Police in partnership with the Police and Community Trust.

Throughout North Wales, School Community Police Officers are meeting with young people in schools and youth clubs to talk about how our behaviour can affect others. On top of this, they’re teaching them how to keep themselves safe if they go out trick or treating. The advice they’re given will also be printed on postcards and bookmarks for them to keep.

Posters have been produced for the campaign (including telling trick or treaters whether they are welcome or not) which you can download and print here or pick up from a local station.

Yes poster

No poster

Superintendent Jane Banham, Community Safety Team at North Wales Police, said, ““Here at North Wales Police we are working closely with communities to ensure that people feel safe and supported at this time of year. Whilst the majority of people enjoy this time of year sensibly, there is a minority who are intent on causing problems and use Halloween and Bonfire Night as an excuse to commit crime and act in an anti-social way. By working with our partners and other agencies we hope to tackle these issues and make this time of year safe and enjoyable for all.

“Our PCSOs in each district have been organising events for local communities in order to educate people about fire safety in regards to Bonfire Night and the consequences of antisocial behaviour. We would also encourage residents to attend organised firework displays, which will be well publicised in the local press prior to November 5th.”

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Every year, countless people are badly injured and burnt in the run up to the bonfire season when lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks. Organised community events in North Wales definitely provide the best value for money for entertainment and also ensure that families no longer need to risk the dangers of back garden bonfire and fireworks parties.

“It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of eighteen years old. Many types of fireworks are banned from sale to the public. Throwing fireworks in a public place is also illegal – a fine of up to £5000 awaits anyone convicted.”

For a list of all organised firework displays across North Wales please visit the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk