Merseyside Police has announced an extensive policing plan to help communities stay safe during the Halloween and Bonfire season. Officers and partner agencies are preparing to carry out a coordinated operation across the region, with thousands expected across the city centre for the height of several festivities.
River of Light and firework displays
The annual River of Light event will run through Halloween, drawing to a close on November 1. In the days leading up to Bonfire Night, a series of independent firework displays will take place across Liverpool and the wider Merseyside region.
Liverpool city centre is expected to attract thousands of revellers celebrating Halloween this Saturday, October 31. Additional policing and partnership activity will be taking place to tackle antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and the misuse of fireworks.
High-visibility patrols and dispersal powers
Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols across Merseyside, with additional resources deployed in areas where antisocial behaviour has previously caused concern. The force will also make proactive use of dispersal powers where necessary to tackle reports of antisocial behaviour and criminality.
Officers will work alongside TravelSafe teams to identify offenders on the public transport network, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities to remove unsafe bonfires, and Trading Standards officers targeting the illegal sale of fireworks.
Appeal to residents and parents
Merseyside Police is also appealing to local residents, parents and guardians, all of whom have an important role to play in preventing antisocial behaviour and reporting concerns.
Merseyside Police Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton, force lead for the policing operation, said: “We want to reassure our communities that we have an extensive policing plan in place for Halloween and Bonfire Night and will be working closely with a number of partner organisations to keep people safe.
“Our officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols and taking action where antisocial behaviour, criminal damage or the misuse of fireworks causes harm or distress to local communities.
“Last year we saw a small reduction in reported incidents, which was encouraging, but we will continue to be vigilant and would like to remind everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly.
“However, we also need the support of our communities. Parents and guardians also have a key role to play by knowing where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing. No parent wants to receive news that their child has been injured, arrested or involved in a serious incident.
“We understand the distress that antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and the misuse of fireworks can cause. If you experience issues in your area, please report them to us so that we can take action.
“Just as importantly, we would ask people to choose the correct reporting method. If an incident is not an emergency, please use our non-emergency reporting channels, including AI Bobbi on our force website, 101, or our social media channels @MerPolCC on X or Facebook. If there is a crime in progress, an immediate threat to life or someone is in danger, always call 999.”
