Extra police patrols for Halloween & Bonfire night

HALLOWEEN and November 5th is almost here and Thames Valley Police is aiming to reduce anti-social behaviour with high visibility patrols in towns, including Thame.

As part of Operation Confidence everyone is being urged to help make Halloween and Bonfire Night as trouble free as possible, especially parents, who can play a major part by laying down strict guidelines over behaviour during the next few days.

Insp Martin Ford, based at Thame police station, said: “The neighbourhood policing team will be working to keep Halloween and Bonfire Night festivities peaceful and safe for residents. Any people found committing anti-social behaviour or crime, including under-age drinking, will be dealt with robustly and could face spending a night in custody and put before the courts.

“Shops and supermarkets are urged to think about those they are selling eggs and flour to during the Halloween festivities and not to sell them if they believe they could be used to cause anti-social behaviour or criminal damage.

“The aim of this operation is to reduce the impact of these celebrations on residents by providing dedicated, highly visible, uniformed patrols throughout the area to identify, deter and apprehend offenders where-ever and whenever possible. These patrols are also designed to provide reassurance to communities.

“We will be taking every opportunity to speak to groups of young people, obtain details and ensure that they are aware of the effect anti-social behaviour can have on others and that it is a crime and can result in a criminal record.

“We want people to have a safe and happy Halloween, however we are sending out a warning to the few who think Halloween is a time to scare residents and make them feel vulnerable in their own homes. This is not acceptable and officers will be doing everything in their power to make sure this does not happen.”

Thames Valley Police is distributing a poster and flyer to be displayed in windows or on front doors, which asks people who are trick or treating to respect householders? right to be left alone. The poster can be downloaded from www.thamesvalley.police.uk

There are also tips for parents on how to make Halloween evening as safe as possible for their children and general information on how to contact the police if necessary.

If you have young children never let them go trick or treating alone

Make sure you accompany them and only visit people you know

If you have teenagers make sure they don?t have access to fireworks, alcohol, eggs or flour

Explain why they must not play tricks on strangers

Tell them that if no body answers the door, or a no trick or treat sign is displayed, they must leave immediately

Remind them to stay with their friends and make sure they never enter the home of a stranger

PHOTO: Inspector Martin Ford, based at Thame police station.