Stay safe in Highgate this Halloween and Bonfire season

Highgate's local Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Trading Standards officers are working hard to ensure that fireworks don't come into the wrong hands and that local people of all ages can enjoy the fun this Halloween and Bonfire Night without fear of intimidation and harm.

Local police will be running extra community patrols and both Safter Neighbourhood Teams and Special Constables will be out and visible during the poeriod. Trading Standards officers will also be checking fireworks are not sold to under-18s.

Inspector John Griffin of Islington Police says, "We are working in partnership with the local council and other services to ensure Islington residents enjoy both Halloween and Bonfire nights. A large number of officers will be patrolling the borough to ensure that the small minority that may want to ruin it for others, do not."

Haringey Police Borough Commander Det Chief Supt Sandra Looby says, Det Chief Supt Sandra Looby said: ""We will be using a variety of tactics from reassurance patrols and education through to enforcement. Where people choose to behave outside the law and without any consideration for others they will face the consequences."

Alison Blackburn, Islington's anti-social behaviour team manager, adds,"Alison Blackburn, Islington Council's anti-social behaviour team manager, said: "In recent years our joint fireworks campaigns with police, the fire brigade and other partners have made a real difference to cutting problems at a very difficult time of year. The message is clear - stay safe with fireworks, and have a Bonfire Night to remember for all the right reasons."

Keep your home safe by removing discarded wood, abandoned furniture or anything that could be set on fire.  If you are going out for the evening, ensure you have closed and locked the doors and windows in your home.

If you're lighting fireworks in your own garden, never let children play with them. Light fireworks at arms length using a taper and stand well back to watch; never go back to fireworks once they are lit. Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges. Remember to keep pets safely indoors.

If you have concerns about anti social behaviour contact your local Safer Neighbouhoods Team. In an emergency always dial 999.

We wish everyone a very happy Halloween weekend!