Working together to keep communities safe at Halloween and Bonfire Night

Article date: 30 October 2025

The St Helens CSP brings together local agencies working to tackle and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and to keep the borough safe — particularly during this busy seasonal period.

The lead-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night typically brings an increase in incidents linked to nuisance behaviour, criminal damage, anti-social fires, and the misuse of fireworks. In response, the CSP is implementing a coordinated approach alongside Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and other community safety partners to minimise disruption and protect the public.

Through increased patrols, community partnerships, youth engagement, and investment in prevention, the St Helens Community Safety Partnership is working together to ensure this Halloween and Bonfire season is safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone.

Councillor Trisha Long, Chair of the St Helens CSP and Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said:

"Strong partnership working is at the heart of keeping our communities safe. By coordinating our efforts across the council, policing, fire and rescue, and youth services — and with the support of local residents — we can help everyone enjoy this season safely.

"The cooperation and understanding of the community, including parents, carers, guardians and our young people can make a real difference, and together we can ensure that Halloween and Bonfire Night remain enjoyable occasions for all."

In addition to taking a strong stance on dangerous bonfires, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is asking residents to take simple actions to help reduce deliberate fire incidents involving wheelie bins, bonfires, and rubbish — known as 'secondary' fires.

Secondary fires can prevent firefighters from responding to emergencies and potentially life-threatening incidents. They can also spread quickly, putting lives and nearby properties at risk.

Simple actions such as bringing in wheelie bins and recycling containers as soon as possible after collection reduce the chance of them becoming a target for dangerous secondary fires.

Ged Knock, Group Manager for Community Safety at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said:

"We're asking everyone in Merseyside to help us help them by taking small actions to reduce the number of deliberate fires during the Halloween and Bonfire period this year. Last year, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service saw a 104% increase in deliberately set anti-social behaviour fires on Bonfire Night compared to 2022.

"If our firefighters are responding to a wheelie bin fire or bonfire, it prevents them from attending another, potentially life-threatening incident. Secondary fires can spread quickly, putting lives and nearby properties at risk.

"Every year we see avoidable injuries caused by fireworks being used unsafely in back gardens or on the street. Fireworks are not toys; they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause life-changing injuries in seconds. The safest way to enjoy Bonfire Night is to attend an organised display where trained professionals can manage fireworks safely."

Even when handled safely and appropriately, fireworks and pets don't mix. Every year, pet owners scramble to find ways to keep their beloved pets safe during what's meant to be a season of celebration, yet for animals often brings fear and distress. The RSPCA provides a range of practical advice on how to keep your cats, dogs and small animals calm and safe amidst all the noise. Learn more at https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/fireworks/pets

Supporting this wider work, several targeted operations are being deployed by Merseyside Police across the region, including Operation Trojan, which focuses on anti-social behaviour on and around public transport.

In partnership with TravelSafe, plain-clothes officers are travelling on normal bus routes across Merseyside, supported by uniformed patrols in nearby areas ready to respond swiftly to any incidents. The initiative follows reports in previous years of buses being targeted and is designed to keep both passengers and drivers safe.

Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton, Merseyside Police tactical operations lead for the Halloween period, said:

"It is outrageous that the 'fun' of the individuals committing these crimes can leave whole communities feeling isolated. When drivers and passengers are in danger from things being thrown at them - that's when we have to act. We won't tolerate it. That's why we're running these Trojan buses.

"I would urge parents and carers to be seriously talking to the young people in their lives before they go out at this time of year. What are their plans? Do they know how to walk away from a situation if it's getting out of hand? Do they know that their choices can have lifelong consequences, for themselves and others?"

As in previous years, additional police patrols will be deployed across key nights, and dispersal zones will be introduced in areas identified by local policing teams as requiring extra attention.

Merseyside Police continues to encourage members of the public to report non-emergency anti-social behaviour via 101 or online, helping to keep 999 lines free for the most serious incidents. Alternatively, you can DM @MerPolCC, call 101, or contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously. Always contact 999 in an emergency.

Residents can report build-up of bonfire material or fly-tipped waste through St Helens Borough Council's Contact Centre online at www.sthelens.gov.uk/report-it or by phone on 01744 676789.

For more information and advice, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/safersthelens.