Treacle gets stuck in to anti-social behaviour

Mischief-makers are being warned to stay out of trouble this Halloween and Bonfire night or face the consequences.

Greater Manchester police is carrying out operations across each division as part of Treacle’s annual drive to tackle anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and fireworks misuse during Halloween and Bonfire Night.

The Treacle partnership will see officers working with the Fire Service, Trading Standards, Councils, Transport for Greater Manchester and the Health and Safety Executive.

Officers will patrol hotspot areas, give Treacle input in schools, hand out trick or treat posters, carry out test purchases for alcohol at off-licences and also run divisional hubs to collate details of people or vehicles suspected of dealing in illegal fireworks.

Anyone found to be harassing or intimidating people, playing with eggs and flour, or vandalising property will face police action. Under 18s face an £80 fine if they are in possession of a firework.

Chief Inspector George Fawcett, the force co-ordinator on Treacle, said: “Halloween and Bonfire Night can be a lot of fun for many people, but it can also be distressing and intimidating for some of our residents.

“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun; we and our partners just want to raise awareness of the consequences of anti-social behaviour. This could be a visit by police to an offender’s home or an £80 on the spot fine and a criminal record.

“My advice for a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire is to respect others, use fireworks responsibly and attend an organised event.”