HALLOWEEN and Bonfire Night can be fun but ‘trick or treating’ or setting off fireworks can turn into a nightmare if things get out of hand.

The BANG initiative, which is being supported by the Scarlets, aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and fireworks misuse.

Police will be stepping up patrols during this period, visiting licensed premises and working with trading standards regarding the sale of fireworks.

Remember, it is illegal to buy fireworks or have fireworks in a public place if you are under 18, and the police can issue on-the-spot fines of £80. It is also against the law to set off or throw fireworks in the street and if found guilty by the courts, you could get fined up to £5,000 and /or up to three months in prison.

Again shops and supermarkets are being asked not to sell eggs and flour to young people and posters will again be available for householders to display in their windows to say whether they welcome trick or treaters.

Neighbourhood policing and school liaison officers will be visiting county schools with fire service personnel to remind pupils to act responsibly and to give advice on the dangers of bonfires and fireworks.

Parents are being urged to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing and encourage them to attend organised events.

Various activities are being arranged by the council’s youth service from Halloween-themed blue light discos to extra youth club nights and detached youth workers will also be hitting the streets with neighbourhood policing officers on key nights. Half-term activities taking place include mountain biking, coasteering and motocross.
The council’s Executive Board Member for Community Safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “We want to remind people that they can have fun without it leading to behaviour that causes damage or nuisance. We do not want to be kill joys and spoil people's fun but we understand many residents, particularly the elderly, dread this time of year. My advice for a safe and enjoyable Halloween and Bonfire Night is to show respect for others and act responsibly.”

Trick or treating advice:
• Always go with an adult
• Only go to houses where you or your friends know the people
• Only go to houses displaying the ‘trick or treaters’ welcome poster
• Don’t talk to strangers
• Don’t enter the house, always stay on the doorstep

Fireworks safety:
• Always buy fireworks that conform to British Standards. They should have BS 7114 written on the side of the box
• Keep fireworks in a closed box. Follow the instructions on each firework, light at arm’s length, and stand well back
• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them
• Always supervise children around fireworks
• Keep pets indoors
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks
• Do not set off fireworks in a street or public place
• Attend organised events if possible