Halloween & Bonfire Night

DON’T GIVE PEOPLE A HALLOWEEN HORROR

Advice to ‘Trick or Treaters’ and residents this Halloween and Bonfire Night

With Halloween fast approaching, police are reminding people to make sure they spend their time trick-or-treating responsibly.

Although many people enjoy trick-or-treating, others, particularly vulnerable people, can find it worrying.

It is also a time when incidents of anti-social behaviour increase and so police will be out and about during the Halloween period to make sure people act responsibly while having fun.

Safer Community Teams, joined by members of the Special Constabulary, will be taking part in high visibility patrols in areas where anti-social behaviour has been identified as an issue.

During these patrols officers will be asking people their opinions on what concerns they have about where they live.

Officers will also be using the portable ERIC camera in areas where there are particular issues with anti-social behaviour to help gather evidence to assist any future prosecutions.

The parents of children who are found to be committing acts of anti-social behaviour will be written to, explaining that their child has been linked to anti-social behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Jelley, said: “As a police force we are not opposed to people having fun and taking part in trick-or-treating, however, we do urge people to act responsibly and remember that Halloween can be a time of great concern for some members of our communities.

“Officers will be taking part in regular, high visibility patrols next weekend in a bid to ensure Halloween is enjoyed by everyone.”

Members of the public can download posters from the Northamptonshire Police website that can be displayed in a window to tell people that they do not want trick-or-treaters to visit them.

There is also a Halloween guide for children on the website that includes tips on how to take part in trick-or-treating safely.

ACC Jelley, added: “As well as reminding people to act responsibly during Halloween, we also want to make sure they are as safe as possible while out and about next weekend.

“I would urge anyone who is going trick-or-treating to make sure they are aware of our Halloween code”

• Don't knock on doors where you see the ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign.
• Always go trick-or-treating with an adult.
• Plan your route before hand - only go to houses where you or your friends know the occupants.
• Be visible - stay in areas that are well lit with streetlights and take a torch with you just in case.
• Don't talk to strangers on the street.
• Don't enter any house - stay on the doorstep.
• Look carefully before crossing the road, even if you are part of a group.
• Although Halloween is supposed to be spooky, be careful not to frighten elderly people.

To find out more and to download the posters, please visit northants.police.uk, or call 03000 111 222.

In the run up to Bonfire night, Police are working with partner organisations, including Trading Standards; Environmental Health Departments; and the Fire and Rescue Service, to share information and target action in hotspot areas for anti-social behaviour with fireworks.

Fireworks may be fun in the right place and at the right time, but every year, hundreds of calls are made to the Police by people who are alarmed by, or just fed up with the noise of fireworks being used inappropriately in the street.

People who are thinking of playing with fireworks this year could get their fingers burned in more ways than one.

Police have the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for Disorder, carrying an 80 pounds on-the-spot penalty, for:

• Possession of an adult firework (not a sparkler or party popper) by an under-18 in a public place
• Possession by a member of the public of a firework intended for professional display
• Use of a firework between the hours of 11pm and 7am, with the exception of 5 November, 31 December, Chinese New Year and Diwali
• Throwing or firing a firework in the street

These Fixed Penalty Notices can be issued to anyone over the age of 16 years. 

If you believe that a crime has occurred – for instance if your property has been damaged or if you fear for yours or others safety – then please call Northamptonshire Police. If it is an emergency, with life at risk or offenders still on the scene, call 999, otherwise, please call 03000 111 222.

Please remember that we operate a call grading system where calls are prioritised according to the severity of the incident. Where officers are dealing with emergencies or other priorities, your call may not always result in the deployment of an officer. However please be assured that the information you provide will be used to target the resources of our ongoing operation against anti-social behaviour.

Northamptonshire Police wish you an enjoyable and safe Halloween and Bonfire night.