When it comes to tackling the sticky issue of anti-social behaviour, agencies across our borough haven proven they’ve got it licked.
Operation Treacle returns this autumn, building on its previous success in tackling unacceptable and criminal activity over Halloween and Bonfire Night - a period typically associated with a marked increase in Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).
And the campaign aims to address ASB in all its forms – from criminal damage, graffiti and fly-tipping to illegal bonfires and attacks on fire crews.
Partners across the borough - including Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, Wigan Council, Wigan & Leigh Housing, Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust , Victim Support and Greater Manchester Police – recently launched the campaign at Rose Bridge High School in Ince in front of an attentive audience of year 8s.
“This campaign is not just about enforcement. It’s also about reducing the kind of injuries caused by recklessness which can have such devastating consequences,” says Steve Sheridan, Wigan Borough Commander from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
“In order to get the message out there, we’ve launched a website and poster campaign featuring some hard-hitting images which illustrate the potentially tragic risks of playing with fireworks and behaving recklessly around fire. It’s all about having fun but staying safe4autumn as well.”
Fire officers and school-based police officers are visiting schools in targeted areas to inform pupils about the penalties for misusing fireworks and building dangerous bonfires. Joined by officers from the Council's Neighbourhood Teams, Youth Offending Team and Victim Support, the assemblies also intend to encourage pupils to consider the consequences of knocking on the doors of vulnerable and elderly people when they are out “trick or treating”. Posters and leaflets have also been distributed to highlight the consequences of Anti-Social Behaviour and criminal damage.
Supt. Robert Lomas from Greater Manchester Police Wigan Division says: “We don’t want to put the dampener on people having fun but we are mindful that there is a marked increase in criminal damage and anti-social behaviour at this time of year and it’s a cause of great concern from some of our more vulnerable residents. So Operation Treacle aims to encourage people to show respect for others, act responsibly and enjoy themselves - preferably at an organised event.”
“It is also a reminder that the possible consequences of being involved in anti-social behaviour include a home visit by police officers, an £80 fine, arrest or a criminal record. Offenders may also be seriously injured or even die due to acting irresponsibly around fireworks and bonfires.”
In efforts to address under-age drinking, Wigan Council’s Trading Standards team will be carrying out a number of test purchases at off-licences in hot spot areas, as well as targeting retailers which sell fireworks to under-18s or stock unsafe and illegal fireworks.
“Sadly the fortnight around Halloween and Bonfire can be a flashpoint for all kinds of anti-social behaviour. It blights neighbourhoods and puts lives at risk,” says Cllr. Kevin Anderson, Wigan Council’s Cabinet Champion for Neighbourhoods. “The success of this campaign lies in partners pulling together. Operation Treacle demonstrates that we can successfully co-ordinate our educational, enforcement and safety activities to ensure that children and young people are informed about potential consequences whilst still being encouraged to take part in fun, safe activities.”
As part of Treacle, dedicated enforcement teams from Wigan Council’s Cleansing and Neighbourhood Teams will also target illegal bonfires and fly-tippers, and anyone caught could face prosecution.
“This is also a chance to remind people who are organising a bonfire night event to follow basic safety advice,” says Steve Sheridan. “They should be aware of the dangers of building bonfires too close to roads, trees, buildings, carparks and overhead cables. Fires should never be higher than 3 metres and you should only ever use fire lighters to get it going, never under any circumstances petrol, paraffin, diesel or white spirit. Further safety advice can be found at http://www.safe4autumn.com/ .”
As part of the drive towards ensuring young people remain safe over the Treacle period, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust will be laying on a range of activities for children and young people, including a Pumpkin Play Day at Mesnes Park and the annual bonfire and firework display at Haigh Hall. For details on more events follow the links from http://www.safe4autumn.com/ to the Linc.
Cllr Susan Loudon, cabinet champion for young people says: “This campaign is not about stigmatising young people. We know that it’s only a minority that cause problems in their neighbourhoods. Partners have been busy organising events, particularly over the half term break, and I’d encourage young people to find out more about these events as well as local organised fire work displays by visiting http://www.safe4autumn.com/ .”
Head Teacher of Rose Bridge High School Debra Wood says: “Rose Bridge High School is once again very happy to be associated with Operation Treacle and we’re looking forward to continuing our ongoing relationship with those agencies involved. This is a very important and serious message that we need to convey to our students at this time of year and in the hope that they will all have a pleasant, safe and rewarding time. We very much value the impact that this multi-agency approach can have on our young people in giving them the message that Anti Social Behaviour is not welcome and will not be tolerated, not only at this time of year, but at any time.”
Paul Cartwright from Victim Support also endorsed the campaign:
"Anti Social Behaviour impacts on many victims and in a lot of cases the victim has not been targeted specifically. We are asking the school children, especially at this time of the year, to be more aware of the consequences of their actions and to consider the possible impact on those around them who may end up becoming a victim of that action."
According to police statistics, last year’s campaign led to a significant drop in youths causing annoyance (25%) when compared to the previous year. Incidents of flour and eggs being thrown fell by a third compared to 2008, and there was also a 35% reduction in small deliberate fires.
Last year, police and council officers confiscated significant quantities of alcohol from young people as part of the ongoing initiative Operation Staysafe, contributing to a 30% reduction in alcohol-related ASB during last year's Treacle campaign compared to 2008.
Partners hope that by adopting the same co-ordinated approach to prevention, education and enforcement, this year’s Treacle campaign will result in even further reductions in ASB. For more information about Operation Treacle log onto http://www.safe4autumn.com/ .
