Trick or treaters are being warned not to step out of line this Halloween as police get tough on antisocial behaviour.

Operation Safer Places, which is being introduced this Thursday until November 11, will see police make a concerted effort to crack down on rowdy behaviour.

More than 35 officers will be dedicated to the operation, an increase in previous years due to the influx of officers to the borough after the implementation of the new policing model.

This is the first extended operation the new officers will take on.

Police are aiming to significantly reduce antisocial behaviour during the operation to combat the usual spike in offences over Halloween and bonfire night.

Incidents such as letting off fireworks down the street, increased thefts due to more people coming to the town and increased street drinking are all being targeted by cops.

Officers are also working with Croydon Council and trading standards to check those selling fireworks have the correct licenses.

The London Fire Brigade are also working with police officers in going into schools and warning about the dangers of messing about with fireworks.

Inspector Peter McGarry, who is heading up Operation Safer places in Croydon, said they have identified antisocial behaviour hotspots in the borough where they will introduce more officer foot patrols.

He said due to having more officers this year he can still have a fully functioning Safer Neighbourhood Team doing their work at the same time.

Inspector McGarry said: "Every year people get hurt by fireworks as they use them incorrectly such as in the street which heightens the risk of injury.

"It is focusing on trick or treating as well. It is making them aware of the impact they might have on people such as the elderly.

"It is important to think about the consequences of their actions to other people and along with the consequences of their actions for themselves should they break the law."

 

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