Sutton police will launch Operation Astral to keep the borough safe over Halloween and Bonfire Night.
The annual initiative, aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour during this period, is one of the busiest in the police calendar.
Last year, Operation Astral resulted in a 29.5 per cent drop in anti-social behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period in Sutton compared with 2007, and a reduction of 47.1 per cent when compared with 2005, the first year of Operation Astral.
Inspector Derek Fleeman, who is co-ordinating Operation Astral, said this year’s tactics included high visibility, uniformed patrols until the early hours of the mornings, covert operations including plain clothes CID officers and stop and search powers on individuals and vehicles.
Officers would also be reporting impromptu bonfires and piles of rubbish and arranging for them to be dismantled and undertaking sweeps in parks and public places to prevent fireworks, alcohol or weapons being stored for later use.
Insp Fleeman said he wanted people to have fun, not a criminal record. “This should be a happy time of the year, but we are determined to stop the very small minority of people who may be tempted to spoil the party.”
Officers are encouraging local residents and communities to come forward with any information which may assist police in keeping neighbourhoods safe.
Call: 0300 123 1212 or dialling 999 if a crime is being committed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here