7:09am Wednesday 17th October 2007
TWO Abingdon Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are teaching children a valuable lesson about Halloween and fireworks night.
PCSOs Mark Wakeford and Sue Bradshaw, part of the Inner Abingdon neighbourhood team, are visiting every primary school in Abingdon to get the message across.
PCSO Bradshaw said: "We have been taking a presentation to schools, concentrating on years six and seven which teaches children about dangers and anti-social issues of fireworks and Halloween celebrations.
"Fireworks can be dangerous and cause injury if they are not treated with respect. We show pictures of children who have been injured to reinforce the message. We also discuss how playing with fireworks is not only dangerous but causes a real nuisance to other residents.
"We also explain how to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween without putting themselves at risk or scaring elderly or vulnerable residents.
"Playing tricks with eggs and flour may seem like fun but could land children in trouble with the police, so we explain the effect that their actions can have on others.
"The presentations have gone down very well so far and have really gripped the children, so I hope that the message has got across to them."
Liz Hayden, Community Safety Officer at the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "This shows the very valuable work that PCSOs are doing in our community."
To finish their campaign, the two PCSOs have organised a family fun day at The Fire Station, Ock Street on October 27, from 10am until 2pm.
Working closely with the Fire Service the family day will include a Halloween fancy dress competition, family quiz, poster competition, bouncy castle, and apple dunking.
Prizes have been donated by local businesses and the Vale of White Horse Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and will be presented by the Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Lorraine Oates.
To reinforce the serious messages, advice will be available from police and fire officers on safety and there will be a dummy demonstration of a firework accident.
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