The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, is urging parents and guardians to play a crucial part in helping to prevent the usual spike in antisocial behaviour seen at Halloween.

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

The Commissioner is urging parents and guardians to know where their children are, and talk to them about the damage anti-social behaviour can do to communities.

He said: “Halloween can be one of the busiest nights of the year for the emergency services. The work to prevent children and young people from engaging in antisocial behaviour must begin at home and I am calling on parents to play their part in helping to reduce antisocial behaviour this Halloween.

“I would urge parents and guardians, particularly those living in areas where antisocial behaviour is prevalent, to know where their children are at all times. I would also encourage them to talk about these issues, to help young people understand the damage they can do to a community, but also that engaging in this kind of behaviour can result in arrest and can harm their own education and future job opportunities.

“There are still plenty of ways to enjoy Halloween and organised activities are taking place across Gwent, so please celebrate safely and considerately this year.”