A CRACKDOWN on anti-social behaviour linked to Bonfire Night has been launched in Huddersfield.

The move is to reduce the risk of criminal and dangerous behaviour.

Despite the night being a time of year for the community to get together it often leads to weeks of misery for residents.

People living in north and south Kirklees have been most affected by the problems in recent years, with fireworks being let off at all times of day and night.

The police, council, fire service and trading standards officials have joined forces to combat the problems before they start.

Clr Khizar Iqbal, who chairs the Kirklees Safer Communities Partnership, said: “We are working together to protect our communities from the small minority of people who use this time of year as a platform for anti-social behaviour.

“All the major services will collectively tackle issues right across Kirklees before and after Bonfire Night – when incidents tend to reach a ‘pinch point’ – to enable people to have a safe and enjoyable celebration.

“This year we are well ahead of the game.”

The Partnership has already started work to ensure that what should be a night of fun for everyone isn’t blighted by anti-social behaviour.

One section of the organisation, the Pinch Point group, has set up a plan to increase patrols in the weeks leading up to November 5 by targeting key hotspots in the district.

Members of the Partnership are also warning retailers not to sell fireworks to teenagers.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards have already written to shopkeepers registered to sell fireworks to remind them of their legal responsibilities, highlighting the law banning the sale of them to anyone under 18.

Trading standards officer Helen McGowan said the message is: ‘If in doubt, don't sell’.

Meanwhile, safety advice is being given out to youngsters who want to go out trick or treating on Hallowe’en.

Parents are being warned to accompany their children as they tour neighbourhoods in fancy dress to make sure they are safe.

The Hallowe’en Association is giving them tips on how to stay safe when trick or treating, which includes:

An adult should always accompany children while trick or treating

Plan a local and familiar well-lit route and stick to it

Always carry a torch so that you can be seen by motorists

Use reflective material in the costume so you are visible in the dark

Do not enter the home of strangers.