Partners prepare for safe Bonfire Night celebrations across Nottinghamshire
Specialist police and partner resources will be deployed across Nottinghamshire this Bonfire Night to help ensure residents can enjoy a safe, enjoyable and memorable evening with family and friends.
Nottinghamshire Police will be working alongside Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Nottingham City Council and other key partners as part of a coordinated operation to support communities and respond quickly to any issues that arise.
As part of the operation, additional patrols and resources will be deployed across the county, with a particular focus on areas that have experienced antisocial behaviour in previous years.
Bonfire Night is an opportunity for families, friends and communities to come together and enjoy the festivities, and our partners are committed to helping create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
In the lead-up to this year's celebrations, officers and partners have been working closely on a comprehensive plan designed to prevent disruption, protect residents and ensure people can celebrate responsibly and enjoy Bonfire Night without fear of disorder or antisocial behaviour.
A range of preventative and enforcement measures will be in place to help keep communities safe and reduce the risk of disorder, including CCTV cameras with facial recognition capabilities; a police CCTV van equipped with high-definition cameras; dedicated antisocial behaviour patrol cars; university policing teams carrying out engagement patrols ahead of Bonfire Night; posters and leaflets warning of the dangers of firework misuse; additional police patrols in hotspot areas and neighbourhood officers ready to disperse groups involved in, or likely to cause, antisocial behaviour.
Chief Inspector Mike Ebbins, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "While the vast majority of people celebrate without incident, a small minority have used the occasion in previous years to engage in antisocial behaviour and misuse fireworks.
"We are working closely with our partners to identify and mitigate risks, and we have officers ready to respond quickly to incidents, disperse groups where necessary, and arrest those suspected of offending."
Group manager, Richard Leighton, head of Safety and Engagement for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue, encouraged residents and visitors to enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly and considerately, and to use fireworks safely.
He said: "Reckless or deliberate misuse of fireworks can result in injury, fire and unnecessary demand on emergency services.
"We would encourage anyone planning to celebrate to do so responsibly and consider attending an organised event."