‘Trick or Treaters’ are being urged to take care when out and about on Hallowe’en, Wednesday 31 October.
Although Hallowe’en is a fun evening for many families, it can be distressing for some vulnerable people, especially older people.
When you are choosing houses to visit on Hallowe’en, please respect the wishes of households not displaying a pumpkin or a ‘Trick or Treaters Welcome’ poster.
Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary, a Community Safety Partnership* member, will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the community as a reassuring presence to help prevent trouble.
The Community Safety Partnership is also working with schools to show children how to stay safe at Hallowe’en and during Bonfire Night celebrations in November. It has been running Crucial Crew sessions at St Albans Fire Station, London Road, to help children learn about personal safety and how to act responsibly.
Daniel Goodwin, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership and Chief Executive for St Albans City and District Council, said: “Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night are fun occasions for many people, but sometimes they can be spoiled by acts of anti-social behaviour or other incidents. The Community Safety Partnership is working together to make sure these events are as safe and enjoyable as possible for the whole community.”
Chief Inspector David Partridge, who is coordinating the Constabulary’s activity around Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night, commented: “We want everyone to enjoy a safe Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night. So whilst not wanting to stop people having fun, we do want everyone across the county to act responsibly and consider how their actions might affect others.
“If your children are going ‘trick or treating’, please accompany them to help them stay safe and trouble-free. We are also working with local shops to ensure that fireworks will not be sold to those underage.”
“As usual, our officers will be patrolling across the county as a reassuring presence and to act as a deterrent to any would-be trouble-makers.”
If you are going Trick-or-Treating, stay safe and respect others by following the Hallowe’en Code:
- Always go Trick-or-Treating with an adult
- Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents
- Don't knock on doors where there is a 'No Trick or Treat' sign
- Stay in areas that are well lit and take a torch with you just in case
- Stay with your friends and don't split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you
- Don't talk to strangers on the street
- Don't enter any house, just stay on the doorstep
- Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially older people
- Be visible
- Look carefully before crossing the road, even if you're part of a group
- Don't cause damage or throw anything. You could be committing criminal damage or assault, and a night of 'fun' could result with you being in trouble with the police.
Councillor contact:
Cllr Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism at St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 07956 220264
Contact for the media:
Ruth Boyer, Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819316
E-mail: ruth.boyer@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StAlbansCouncil
Notes:
*St Albans City and District Community Safety Partnership is made up several agencies and voluntary organisations that work together to reduce crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
The members include:
- St Albans City and District Council
- Hertfordshire Constabulary
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Hertfordshire Police Authority
- West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust
- Youth Offending Team
- Hertfordshire Probation Trust
- Various local voluntary organisations.