PSNI 'increasingly busy' at Halloween

CARRICK police are determined to prevent an escalation of criminal damage around the Halloween period.

PSNI Area Commander Chief Inspector Paula Hilman is appealing for parents, youth and community leaders to assist in making this years festivities safe and fun.

CI Hilman said: “The weeks prior to and after Halloween are becoming an increasingly busy time of the year for the Police Service. We continually 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 Hilman added: “High visibility patrols will be 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. We hope that with the support of parents, schools and local community groups we can work to help make Halloween safe and enjoyable.”

Recommending that fireworks should be purchased from reputable licensed dealers, not from market stalls or individuals selling door-to-door, police urge anyone with information about illegal sales to contact Green Sreet station. These fireworks, the PSNI points out, may not be British Standard approved and could be extremely dangerous.

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