Police in Thetford have pledged to crackdown on Halloween and Bonfire Night- related antisocial behaviour and illegal cyclists as part of a campaign to improve the quality of life in the town centre.

Police in Thetford have pledged to crackdown on Halloween and Bonfire Night- related antisocial behaviour and illegal cyclists as part of a campaign to improve the quality of life in the town centre.

Norfolk Police officers and partner agencies will be in King Street tomorrow to listen to residents' concerns and hand out safety and crime prevention advice as part of a priority day.

The Thetford Safer Neighbourhood Team will be outside the Boots store between 12pm and 5pm and will be carrying out free property marking and selling personal attack and smoke alarms.

Police will also use the priority day to begin a campaign to reduce problems during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period. Officers will be visiting retailers to advise them not to sell eggs and flour to young people and the schools liaison officer will be visiting local students to warn them of the dangers of fireworks.

Residents who live close to the town centre will be issued with a diary to record incidents of night time antisocial behaviour.

Thetford Insp Paul Wheatley said: “The priority day is a great opportunity for police and partner agencies to create closer links with a large cross-section of the community. There will be a number of activities during the priority day to tackle issues that are of concern to local people in the town.”

“Working in partnership with local people is vital to crime prevention and finding long-term solutions to some of the problems residents face.”

The Thetford Safer Neighbourhood Team has also pledged to clampdown on cyclists who illegally use footpaths and pedestrianised areas in the town.

PC Keith Kenny said police had received a number of complaints from residents in the town centre. Officers will be giving verbal warnings to people that commit cycling offences between October 11 and 24, but will be more “robust” from October 25.

“Cyclists can expect to receive a £30 fine, if they are found riding on footpaths or pedestrian areas, cycling without lights during dark conditions or any other offence.

“Clearly, pedestrians should feel safe walking along the pavement and at the moment this is not the case,” said PC Kenny.

Over the last few weeks, the safer neighbourhood team has been visiting schools taking part in cycling proficiency lessons with Norfolk County Council and promoting cycling safety.

The safer neighbourhood team can be contacted on 0845 456 4567 or email sntthetford@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.