With celebrations for Halloween and Bonfire Night fast approaching, North Wales Police and partners are once again joining forces to ask people to 'Be a Nice Guy' with Operation BANG.

North Wales Police has a responsibility to keep its communities safe and by working with other key partners such as the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Community Safety Partnerships and local authorities, we are able to promote key messages through the 'Be a Nice Guy' initiative. It has been identified that this approach, along with targeted diversionary activities which engage young people in fun and entertaining events, can be very effective in ensuring that everyone can enjoy themselves safely.

Throughout North Wales a variety of Halloween and Bonfire activities, which are being organised by Local Policing Teams in conjunction with key partners, will be taking place to engage with young people. These activities have received financial support from the Arson Reduction Team, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police in partnership with the Police and Community Trust (PACT).

Brand new posters - including a poster asking Trick or Treaters to move on - are currently being distributed by Local Policing Teams across the force area.

The newly-designed literature is also available for download via the North Wales Police website (www.north-wales.police.uk) and hard copies are also available at the following police station front counters - Wrexham, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Bangor, Caernarfon and Holyhead.

Shopkeepers are also being encouraged not to sell flour and eggs to children in the days running up to the 31^st October, and the local policing teams will also be distributing posters to retailers throughout the area.

School Community Police Officers throughout North Wales are talking to young people in schools and youth clubs about how their behaviour can affect others and they are also reminding them to keep themselves safe if they go out trick or treating. Bookmarks and postcards which contain advice have also been produced.

"Local policing teams across North Wales are working closely with their communities to ensure that those who want to have fun on Halloween can do so without causing upset to others," said Inspector Julie Sheard who has responsibility for the Force Community Safety Unit.

"By placing a sign in the window people will know that particular resident's preference. Hopefully this will be respected and those who would rather keep their doors closed on Halloween night will not be disturbed."

She added: "We wish for everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween, but would like to remind people to have fun responsibly rather than disturbing others."

Police and partner organisations are taking a proactive approach and in conjunction with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, leaflets containing advice and information regarding fireworks are also being distributed.

Inspector Sheard added: "We know the majority of people enjoy this time of year sensibly and we are not out to spoil their fun but unfortunately there is a minority who are intent on causing problems and use Bonfire Night as an excuse to commit crime and act anti-socially.

"We will be working in partnership with other agencies to keep people safe and make sure an exciting and enjoyable period is not tarnished by the minority. To ensure the safety of all, we would also encourage residents to attend organised firework displays, which will be well publicised in the local press prior to November 5^th."

Terry Williams, Head of Community Safety for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Every year, countless people are badly injured and burnt in the run up to the bonfire season when lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks. Organised community events in North Wales definitely provide the best value for money for entertainment and also ensure that families no longer need to risk the dangers of back garden bonfire and fireworks parties.

"It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of eighteen years old. Many types of fireworks are banned from sale to the public. Throwing fireworks in a public place is also illegal - a fine of up to £5000 awaits anyone convicted."

Partners, including the Wrexham Community Safety Partnership are also busy preparing for the Halloween and Bonfire period with officers from WCBC Trading Standards, Housing and Public Health carrying out various activities.

Lee Robinson, Strategic and Performance Director for Wrexham County Borough Council, said: "Anti-social Behaviour is a key priority for the Council and the Community Safety Partnership in Wrexham. We want all residents to enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night and our aim is to make sure everyone feels and stays safe during the period. The Partnership is however keen to emphasise that every effort will be made to prevent anti -social behaviour, and a clear message is being sent that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated."