COMMUNITY SAFETY MESSAGE – KENTON EAST RESIDENTS

COMMUNITY SAFETY MESSAGE – KENTON EAST RESIDENTS

Clock Change |🎃 Halloween | 🪔 Diwali | 🎆 Fireworks | 🏠 Home Security

Hello everyone,

With Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali just around the corner, many families across Harrow will be getting ready to celebrate. 

Here are a few friendly reminders to help keep you, your family and your neighbours safe over the coming weeks.

⏰ CLOCKS GO BACK – SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER

Don't forget! The clocks go back one hour at 2am this Sunday, 25 October.

THIS MEANS🏠 DARKER EVENINGS, – KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE FROM BURGLARY

As the evenings get darker earlier, we would also like to remind residents to take a few simple steps to protect their homes. Burglars may look for homes that appear empty, especially when it's dark outside.

A few small precautions can make a big difference:

- 🔐 Lock up: Always lock your front and back doors, windows and side gates, even when you're at home.

- 💡 Leave a light on: If you're going out, use a timer switch to turn lights on and off so your home looks occupied.

- 📹 Check your security: Make sure outdoor lights, CCTV and video doorbells are working properly if you have them.

- 🔑 Keep valuables out of sight: Don't leave keys, handbags or expensive items where they can be seen through windows.

- 🚗 Secure your vehicle: Lock your car and keep vehicle keys away from doors, windows and letterboxes.

- 🏘️ Look out for neighbours: If you notice something suspicious, report it. Please also check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

- 📱 Think before posting: Avoid sharing on social media that you're away from home or on holiday.

Remember: A home that looks occupied is less likely to attract unwanted attention.

If you see someone acting suspiciously, please don't put yourself at risk by confronting them. Report suspicious activity to police on 101 or call 999 if a crime is happening or someone is in immediate danger.

🎃 HALLOWEEN – SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER

If you're taking children trick-or-treating, please remember:

- Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.

- Stay on well-lit streets and use safe places to cross roads.

- Only visit homes that appear happy to welcome trick-or-treaters.

- Respect residents who do not wish to take part.

- Never enter someone's home without permission.

- Avoid frightening elderly or vulnerable residents.

🎆 DIWALI & BONFIRE NIGHT – CELEBRATE SAFELY

Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November, followed by Diwali on Sunday 8 November.

We wish everyone celebrating Diwali a very happy and peaceful festival of lights!

Know the law – who can use fireworks?

Categories of fireworks

 According to The Fireworks Regulations 2004 and The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015:

- Normal days, including Halloween: Fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am.

- Bonfire Night (5 November): Fireworks are permitted until midnight.

- Diwali (8 November): Fireworks are permitted until 1am the following morning.

🚫 It is illegal to set off or throw fireworks in streets, parks or other public places.

You must be 18 or over to buy adult fireworks. If using fireworks at home, only use them on suitable private land with permission, follow the instructions and keep a safe distance.

A few important safety reminders:

- Never throw fireworks or aim them at people, animals, cars or buildings.

- Keep children away from fireworks and supervise sparklers carefully.

- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

- Keep pets indoors and consider neighbours who may be affected by loud noises.

- Where possible, choose quieter fireworks or attend an organised display.

👮 HARROW COUNCIL – EXTRA FIREWORK SAFETY PATROLS

Harrow Council has announced a special fireworks safety operation running from 24 October to 10 November 2026.

During this period, the council's Public Protection Team will carry out additional evening patrols, focusing on areas where fireworks have been used dangerously or antisocially. The operation will include community engagement, CCTV support and action against unsafe firework use.

📞 How to report firework misuse

- Harrow Council evening reporting line: 020 4604 2775, between 7pm and 10pm, with extended hours until 11pm on 8 November.

- Outside these hours: Use the reporting map on Harrow Council's website. Please note that online reports are not monitored for an immediate response.

- Fireworks being used outside legal hours: Report to police on 101.

- Immediate danger or emergency: Call 999.

Please do not confront anyone who is using fireworks dangerously. Keep yourself safe and report your concerns through the appropriate channels.

For full details of the council's operation, patrol locations, reporting map and safety advice, visit:

🔗 https://talk.harrow.gov.uk/fireworks

Stay safe everyone!