No excuse for trouble

While Halloween and Bonfire Night take up two days in our diaries, the shenanigans associated with the two events can stretch across a fortnight.

For those of you who follow us on Twitter, this week the Force has been tweeting all reports of criminal damage to highlight the types of incidents we deal with at this time of year.

Policing during this period can be a challenge. We see a rise in the number of reports of antisocial behaviour and damage. Some people think this time of year affords them a licence for troublemaking. It does not. We have increased our patrols to deter this behaviour and will arrest those who flout the law, irrespective of age.

Parents make sure you know where your children are and what they’re doing. It is against the law for under 18s to buy or be in possession of fireworks. Those who do could face an on-the-spot fine of £80, a fine topping £5,000 or up to three months in prison.

Under no circumstances should fireworks, including sparklers, be thrown at property, people or animals. Damage or injuries inflicted as a result are serious offences, whether intentional or not. Fireworks may be fun to watch, but they are explosives and if used irresponsibly can be deadly.

There have been increasing reports of burglary and theft at the Lawn Road industrial estate, with a number of high-value items being stolen. Lorries parked in a secure on-site compound have also had their fuel tanks siphoned for diesel. Witnesses or anyone with any information should call us on 101.

PCSO Scott Padley hopes to hold a presentation evening for his Junior PCSOs at Carlton Youth Club on 4th December. The 12 youngsters who learned what it takes to be a PCSOs will pledge to continue as citizenship ambassadors.

And after 30 years with the force, Beat Manager PC Dave Taylor will retire on 14th December. Dave has worked on this beat for upwards of two decades. He shall be missed by his colleagues and community, but we wish him well in his life away from policing. All the best Dave.

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