Half term fun

My team have been busy this week supporting Gwent Police, partners and our communities throughout the half term break. 

We supported a very busy ‘Trick or Trunk’ event at Bargoed Morrisons, organised by the Parent Network Caerphilly. Partners decorated their car boots and children were encouraged to trick or treat each car, finding out more about each organisation and getting a special treat with every visit. It was a very successful event with hundreds of children taking part during the afternoon.

The team also ran a stall at the annual ‘Scare on the Square’ in Brynmawr, where families are encouraged to visit businesses, organisations and stalls throughout the town. The Brynmawr neighbourhood policing team also took part and outdid themselves, transforming the police station into a spooky monsters’ lair. This is always a very popular event and hundreds of families turn out to take part. 

Both events gave children the opportunity to enjoy trick or treating safely, without potentially disturbing vulnerable members of the community for whom Halloween can be an upsetting time.

We also joined our funded partners, Positive Futures, at an outreach session in Pillgwenlly in Newport aimed at educating children on the dangers of fireworks. The session engaged children and young people with different sports and activities, while staff discussed the risks of using fireworks illegally.  

Halloween and bonfire night can be some of the busiest nights of the year for the emergency services.

Both Gwent Police and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service traditionally see an increased demand as a result of antisocial behaviour, misuse of fireworks and deliberately started fires.

I was pleased to see so many organised events taking place allowing children to enjoy both of these occasions safely.