Mischievous problem areas to be checked
Published on 1st November 2007 in News
Police have delivered a plain and simple message to would-be Mischievous Night culprits.
The 'Your Mischief, Their Misery' campaign has been launched by the Goole, Snaith and Howdenshire Neighbourhood Policing Teams to highlight the problems caused over the October/November period leading up to and directly after Mischievous Night.
A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: "Historically, there have been considerable problems over this period. These have involved general nuisance and distruption caused by youths, and incidents of eggs and flour being thrown at houses and damage being caused."
Posters and leaflets will be handed out, and high-visibility patrols will monitor the areas where problems have occurred in the past.
Neighbourhood police officers will visit retailers who stock egg and flour to discourage them from selling them to children and young people this month, and there will be liaison with the local schools.
The spokesperson said: "We want to put out a very strong message to that minority of young people tempted to take part in this kind of activity. Basically, it is: 'Use your head! Don't do it!'
"To those who are involved, just think: How would you feel if the victim was your mum, dad, grandma or granddad?
"How would you feel if it was your house or car that had been covered in eggs or flour? (Remember, egg can permanently damage car paintwork.)
"Only visit houses or people that you know.
"To parents and carers we are asking the questions: 'Do you know where your children are? Do you know what they are doing? Are they being suitably supervised by a responsible adult?'
"We need your help here. Please be aware. Please be responsible.
"And finally, the issue of responsibility also applies to shopkeepers and supermarket staff. Your shop will be getting a visit from one of our team. Please help us and your community by not selling large quantities of eggs and flour (or preferably none at all) to young people over this period.
"As always, we must stress that these problems are caused by a minority of young people and it is this minority who we are targeting through this campaign.
"The distress and misery caused by antisocial behaviour and minor damage around Mischief Night can be traumatic for those targeted and very often the most vulnerable people in our communities are the victims.
"This is not about fun. Very often these acts are openly malicious and property is permanently damaged. If offences are committed those responsible will be dealt with and our patrols will be out and about ensuring that we are around to do this."