Police call for a 'harmless' Halloween

Herts police are urging people to make sure Halloween is an evening of harmless fun and not a night of criminal damage and antisocial behaviour.

Officers have renewed their annual Halloween guidelines and say troublemakers will be dealt with robustly.

Police say that people concerned about, or intimidated by, trick or treating, should report any incidents at the time they happen.

The force has again issued its Halloween guidelines in an effort to make the night safe and trouble-free for all.

Adults should ALWAYS accompany children when trick or treating.
Young people should never go trick or treating alone.
Do not knock on the doors of strangers - only go to people you know.
Always keep to well-lit areas.
Wear bright clothing and remember the basics of road safety.
Keep your ‘tricks’ within the law - anything that results in damage is an offence and will be dealt with as such.
Unless pre-arranged, do not visit elderly members of the community.
If someone calls at your door - be cautious. Use a door chain or door viewer to check the caller’s identity. If you are unsure, do not open the door.
If you are happy for trick or treaters calling at your door, remember to stock up on treats.

Officers say that many of the incidents they are called to investigate at this time of the year involve damage to property caused by flour and eggs, thrown as part of trick or treating. They say parents should keep an eye on their egg and flour supplies to stop such items being obtained and misused.

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21 October 2004

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