Blog - the power of communities at Halloween and Bonfire Night
11.03.26 - Merseyside
As Bonfire Night approaches, Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell is using her monthly blog to talk about the power of communities in keeping people safe.
Last Thursday, I was delighted to join families at Norris Green Community Alliance's Halloween party, and it was impossible not to leave feeling optimistic about the power of communities.
More than 170 local children and their families came together for an evening of fun, with costumes, dance competitions, a DJ and even a bowl of warming scouse. The event was made possible by the dedication of this fantastic grassroots charity, one of 30 organisations supported through my Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), which funds activities for young people throughout the autumn.
Events like these are about far more than Halloween. They provide positive opportunities for young people, bring neighbours together and help build stronger, safer communities.
This work forms part of a wider effort involving our police, fire service, local authorities and community partners. Through initiatives such as the Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership, which brings together more than 20 organisations, we are working collectively to tackle anti-social behaviour and keep communities safe.
Sadly, not everyone enjoyed a safe Halloween. Reports of buses being targeted and the shocking incident in which a baby was injured when a window was smashed are stark reminders of the impact a small minority can have.
However, there are encouraging signs of progress. Overall reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage on Halloween fell by 10% compared with last year, demonstrating what can be achieved when prevention, engagement and enforcement work together.
Tonight, on Bonfire Night, I will be visiting another YES-funded project, Community by Nature, as they host a s'mores campfire event for young people.
It will be another busy night for our emergency services and partner organisations. We can all play a part by knowing where our children are, talking to them about making safe choices and reporting concerns early.
By working together, we can help everyone across our region enjoy these seasonal celebrations safely.