Don’t get spooked this Halloween says PSNI Area Chief

With Halloween just two days away, many people, and not just the young, will be caught up in the excitement. However, that excitement is not shared by all, and sometimes too much exuberance can lead to a lack of care and, sadly injury.

Chief Inspector Tony Callaghan, the Foyle Area Commander appealed for all in the community to mark the Halloween activities sensibly, and safely.

“Halloween is a busy time of the year for police. We often receive reports of criminal damage and youths causing annoyance to vulnerable people within the area. We want to make it clear that anyone caught breaking the law will be dealt with robustly.

“I would ask parents to make sure they know the whereabouts of their children and to make sure that they are not engaging in any criminal activity or criminal damage to property.”

Individuals are also being urged to pay close attention to their own personal safety, if they intend to be in the vicinity of fireworks, sparklers or bonfires. Fireworks contain explosive, flammable substances, which can cause serious injury to an individual or damage to property. Children using sparklers should also be closely supervised.

Chief Inspector Callaghan said measures are being taken to ensure incidents of criminal damage don’t escalate during the Halloween period.

He said: “We have high visibility patrols operating in hotspot areas to prevent crimes occurring. What might seem like a prank to some young people may actually amount to carrying out an assault or causing criminal damage. Those involved in this type of behaviour will have to face the consequences.”