Stay safe this Halloween

Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Darrin Jones is appealing for parents, youth and community leaders to assist in making this year’s festivities safe and fun.

“The weeks prior to and after Halloween are becoming an increasingly busy time of the year for Police,” he said. “We continually receive reports of criminal activity and 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 Jones explains the measures that are being taken to ensure incidents of criminal damage don’t escalate during the Halloween period. “High visibility patrols will be operating in hotspots areas to prevent crimes occurring,” he said. “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.”