Monster Operation For Happy Halloween
POLICE, crime reduction officers, and police Community Support Officers are working with schools and local shops to reduce nuisance and vandalism associated with Halloween.
Trick or treating can raise the fear of crime, especially among the elderly and can lead to anti-social behaviour and damage to property when eggs and other things are thrown at cars and buildings. If damage is caused this is a criminal offence and the person responsible could be arrested.
Shops are being contacted to ask them not to sell children flour, eggs, and other items which can sometimes be thrown at cars and buildings during Halloween. Shops will be given posters to display which say they reserve the right not to serve children with such items.
Letters are being sent to parents of primary school children to explain the problem associated with trick or treating, with safety guidelines to ensure children stay safe if they do go trick or treating.
The advice is as follows:
Always take an adult with you.
Never knock on a stranger?s door.
Never go out on your own.
If someone says ‘no’ or doesn?t open the door, they could be frightened. Walk away; don?t be a nuisance to them.
Don?t disturb someone if they display a notice that says ?no trick or treat?.
Never accept an invitation into someone?s house.
Avoid dark and quiet places.
Parents are advised to agree with neighbours in advance if they mind trick or treaters and to only let children knock on those doors. Parents are also asked to discourage older children to go trick or treating. As a rule if they are old enough to go on their own then they are too old for trick or treating.
Officers will also be visiting schools in the area to explain this advice in more detail to children.
Residents who do not want to be disturbed by trick or treaters can get a specially designed flyer free from police stations, or download it from the website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk
Crime reduction adviser Lesley Nesbitt said: ?We want children to have fun at Halloween, but we also want to make sure they understand that some members of the community do not look forward to this time of year. Elderly residents, vulnerable members of the community and people who live alone can be intimidated by unexpected knocks on the door or loud noises outside.?
Officers will be making extra patrols during Halloween evening to respond to calls from the public. Members of the public are advised to call the non emergency police number 0845 8 505 505. If it is an emergency dial 999.
