Dear Parents and Guardians

I am the sergeant from the Safer Schools Policing Team for Greenwich Borough.

For the last few years, I have appealed to you to help us stop serious disorder involving youths in our borough around Halloween and fireworks night. In previous years, there were groups of young people throwing and setting fireworks off, which caused panic and distress to members of the public and also put them in danger. 

Can I please appeal to your duty as a parent/guardian to ensure your child is not unaccompanied in evenings leading up to Halloween and fireworks night. Even if your child is a spectator to what is going on they are responsible for creating physical cover in crimes being committed and an audience.

If you believe your child is planning to go out any evening leading up to Halloween and Fireworks, can you please highlight the message not to misuse fireworks and ensure they get home safely.

Can you also check that your child is not in possession of any fireworks by searching their bags and jackets. Fireworks are very dangerous when used incorrectly and can cause serious injury. If you find any fireworks in your child’s possession please dispose of them safely and in accordance with guidance from the London Fire Brigade on this link https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/media/5404/gn_07_lf_format-fireworks-and-firework-displays.pdf

 If you become aware of any shops selling fireworks to persons under 18 please email Greenwich Trading Standards at tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 

 If you hear any information regarding planned disorder please let us know by calling 101 or email the details to woolwichtowncentreteam@met.police.uk

 I understand the challenges of raising teenagers but please help us keep your community safe. I don’t want your child involved in any disorder or to become involved in any other incidents that could result in serious harm.

 Lastly, I want you to enjoy this time of year so please consider taking your children to organised events during Halloween or fireworks night or just enjoy some quality family time indoors.

 Yours sincerely

 Sergeant Geoff Warren