South Wales Police mark success of Operation B.A.N.G as Bonfire Night passes quietly
The weekend’s firework celebrations saw the number of calls reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour fall by 11% in comparison to 2009s figure.
2010 is the second year that Community Safety Partnerships have collaborated to spread messages around responsible behaviour as part of Operation B.A.N.G.
The campaign, which was first launched six years ago, is an all-Wales community safety initiative that seeks to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour and raise safety awareness over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
Chief Superintendent Neil Kinrade said: ‘Operation B.A.N.G has seen South Wales Police working effectively with its partner agencies to reassure and protect its communities during the Halloween and Bonfire Night festivities.
‘Last year, the operation led to a significant decrease in incidents of anti-social behaviour across the force area. 2010 has seen a continuation of this success as, in relation to last year’s figures, reports of ASB incidents fell by 27% on Halloween, and 11% on Bonfire Night.’
Diversionary activities organised by Community Safety Partnerships saw a variety of events for young people taking place over the celebratory period- ensuring that children and teenagers remained off the streets and out of trouble, whilst having a safe place to celebrate.
School Liaison Officers across South Wales also provided lessons around firework safety in conjunction with South and Mid and West Wales Fire Service.
In Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot, 10 lucky schools were selected for a fun-filled hour with local police and fire officers, along with local radio station The Wave as part of Operation B.A.N.G: Party in the Playground. The fun and games provided officers with the chance to give safety lessons in a whole new way, as youngsters were allowed to take part in a live link to announce the messages they had learnt on air.
Pupils at Cefn Hengoed School in Swansea were also treated to a surprise message from pop star Peter Andre- who got involved with the campaign to urge youngsters to stay safe on Bonfire Night. He said: ‘Please be careful on bonfire Night- it’s all a bit of fun, but you’ve also got to remember that it can be dangerous. So stay safe, have fun and keep warm’.
Chief Superintendent Kinrade continued: ‘The multi-agency initiative has allowed South Wales Police to ensure the safety of its communities at this busy time of year. There will, unfortunately, always be a minority of people who use Halloween and Bonfire Night as an opportunity to behave irresponsibly.
‘The force has proved that such activity will not be tolerated under any circumstances. We now look to maintain and improve our policing plans for Operation B.A.N.G next year, so that we may continue to keep the communities of South Wales Safe by taking a firm stance against anti-social behaviour.’
