VOTE: Warnings issued on anti-social behaviour

Leaflets have been distributed to schools across the area to encourage young people to act responsibly at a time of year which often witnesses an increase in incidents involving targeting of vulnerable residents.

The Safer Autumn campaign launched today and is being run with the county council, fire services and community wardens.

Young people and teenagers will be given safety and behaviour advice which is also being made available at, libraries, and council help points throughout the county.

Among its key messages will be highlighting the risks of misusing fireworks and providing advice on appropriate behaviour for trick or treating.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service district commander for Arun, Dave Benhamsaid: "Fireworks can be fun, but can also be dangerous if not handled properly. We urge that the utmost care is taken in their storage, handling and use, whether you are organising a display for the family, friends or the general public.

The Safer Autumn campaign also includes a specially-designed poster for older people to put up asking people not to visit their homes during the halloween period.

Schools in the Bognor Regis area have also been visited as part of a joint initiative between West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police in an attempt to discourage firework misuse and highlight evening controls completed by the services. Successes from Operation Sparkler have already been reported.

Inspector Rob Moore from Sussex Police said: "Our joint late evening patrols will be completed throughout the week in Littlehampton and Bognor, targeting areas frequented by youths and identified as having had problems in previous years."

For more information on the campaign, including downloads of trick or treat warning posters, visit www.sussex.police.uk/ news-and-events and type 'halloween' in the search box.

What do you think? Send a letter to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click here to add yourself to our readers' map.