Extra patrols in Islington for bonfire night and Halloween

Authorities in Islington are working together to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour over Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Measures from Islington Council, Islington Police, London Fire Brigade, and registered social landlords include:

• extra patrols by police Safer Neighbourhood Teams and the council's animal welfare team, and extra staff on patrol in Islington's parks
• monitoring of potential anti-social behaviour "hotspots" over the Halloween-fireworks period
• test purchases and safety checks by council Trading Standards team, police and London Fire Brigade at shops to check fireworks are not sold to under-18s
• council caretakers on estates have had briefings and will be alert to materials that could be set on fire, such as discarded wood or furniture, and give "no trick or treat" posters to vulnerable residents
• an extra shelter over the Halloween and fireworks period for vulnerable and homeless people, who can be at greater risk at this time
• 1,000 copies of an eye-catching fireworks safety poster by local schoolgirl Megan Brown, nine, who won a council-run competition, are being distributed around Islington (pictures available - see link at top of email)
• local schoolchildren from Ambler and William Tyndale primary schools have been to safety days at Islington Fire Station in Upper Street, organised by Islington's community safety partnership team

  Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council's executive member for community safety, said: "We're on the side of residents and taking action against anti-social behaviour over Halloween and Bonfire Night.

  "In recent years our joint work with police, Fire Brigade and others made a real difference for residents at a very challenging tough time of year.

  "We're taking extra measures to protect our communities, and anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour can call police or Islington's new anti-social behaviour hotline."

  Ch Insp Claire Clark, of Islington Police, said: "There will be additional police patrols over the period to enable a quicker response to calls to ASB.

  "We would urge parents not to purchase fireworks and attend organised events where possible. Any incidents of ASB should be reported via the council hotline or police".

  Rhys Powell, Islington Borough Commander for London Fire Brigade, praised the standard of entries in the poster contest and added: "Fireworks can be spectacular but they are explosives and can cause serious injuries if handled irresponsibly. A trip to hospital or a wrecked property will certainly make you remember the 5th of November, but for all the wrong reasons.

  "It's safer to attend an organised event, but if you are having your own celebration take these simple precautions – never play with fireworks, only let adults handle fireworks and when you're watching them – stand well back. Finally, never go near a firework that's been lit, even if it's not gone off."

  To report anti-social behaviour, residents can call 101, the police non-emergency number. 

  Alternatively, call the Islington anti-social beahviour team on 020 7527 7272 or go to www.islington.gov.uk/reportasb

  Calls will get a response as soon as possible, certainly within 24 hours. Officers can make visits between 4pm and 2am Sunday to Thursday, and 5pm to 4am Friday and Saturday.

  During office hours, council tenants and leaseholders should report ASB to the ASB team at their Area Housing Office, on the phone or in person, and Housing Association tenants should report ASB to their landlord.

  Out of office hours, council tenants and leaseholders and Housing Association tenants should call 020 7527 7272.

  In an emergency dial 999.

  The poster competition was supported by London Fire Brigade, who provided the winning prizes, and Arsenal FC who gave gifts to the runners-up.