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10/9/08
2:36 PM
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LATESTNEWS Phil Mills looks at how local police will be handling Halloween and news of a charity event for a police colleague
Sgt Jo Webb with zombies
Night force
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NEWS
More than 60 extra police will be drafted in to work in Brighton and Hove to combat a night of terror. Halloween, for the vast majority, is a festival of ghoulish fun, but it can bring out the worst in a minority of teenagers. There were a number of arrests last year and cars and homes have been damaged by egg throwing, people have been hit by flower bombs and pensioners have been left cowering in their homes, terrified by door knocks and threatening yobs. City police Chief Inspector Bill Whitehead said officers won’t be kill-joys, but they will be adopting a robust approach to those intent on misbehaving on Halloween night, Friday, 31 October, and for the rest of that weekend. He said: “We will have between 60 and 70 extra officers on duty and we will be stopping and searching youngsters who we suspect are carrying eggs and flour. “Those we catch will be taking to their homes and their parents will be informed or, in more serious cases, they will be arrested. “Those who go round causing trouble can have a serious effect on their victims, especially the elderly, and we are urging everyone not to cold call at people’s homes.”
“Leaflets being distributed will carry a: ‘Don’t call here‘ sign, which people can stick on front doors or in windows”
Fundraising for a friend Members of the Metropolitan Police crack public order branch will be carrying their riot shields as they run in relays from London to Brighton to help in the fight against testicular cancer. The marathon event, on Thursday next week (23 October), is in aid of Jason Hussain, 21, from Brighton, who manages the Metropolitan Police Youth Diversion project. Jason was diagnosed with the cancer earlier this year and money raised by the run will pay for cancer equipment at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where Jason is receiving treatment. Surgery failed and Jason recently completed a gruelling course of chemotherapy. His plight prompted an immediate pledge of help from the 21strong public order team. Jason, a national standard sprinter and former British Junior international, is coached by his line manager and international sprints coach Superintendent John Powell, who suffered the same problem 17 years ago. He suffered two relapses and ultimately needed a bone marrow transplant. He went on to raise several thousand for the cancer unit where he was treated. He said: “The shock of hearing Jason had the same problem as I did was miles worse than dealing with my own problem. “Jason and his family are close friends and the feeling of helplessness was devastating. But his prognosis has been very positive, and the hospital has been brilliant. “This charity event is a fantastic way to repay doctors and staff. It's impossible to appreciate the effort and resources that go into treating one patient unless you have been there yourself.“ Anyone wanting to sponsor the team should email john.powell2@met.police.uk
Inspector Whitehead said leaflets being distributed will carry a:“Don’t call here” sign, which people can stick on front doors or in windows. He said: “We want people to enjoy themselves but we recommend they attend organised parties. “We are gearing up and anyone misbehaving can expect a strong response from us.” For the first time police are getting involved in one of the UK’s biggest Halloween festivals, at Tulleys Farm in Turners Hill, Crawley, where more than 40,000 visitors are expected over 11 days, starting on Saturday 18 October. Police will have a stand at the event to offer advice and officers will take action if any youngsters step out of line. Sergeant Jo Webb, of the Sussex Police Neighbourhood Specialist Team based at East Grinstead, said: “This gives us a unique opportunity to support the local community and to interact with youths on a local level, while they are out having fun. “There is a serious message to this which is about enjoying Halloween in a sensible and safe way. “Our officers are there to engage with the public, but we will get involved in proactive policing at the event if the need arises. “It’s going to be an interesting experience and I have to admit this is the first time I have worked alongside zombies.” latest 7 13