Making this a happy Hallowe'en
Community safety officers and Thames Valley Police will this year be putting extra patrols on the streets of the Royal Borough to provide a reassuring presence for residents over the Hallowe'en weekend (Thursday October 30 – Monday November 3).
Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for community safety, said: "Hallowe'en is the
traditional time for children's trick or treating and while it is mostly harmless fun, it
can be stressful for the more vulnerable members of our community, particularly older people.
"Hallowe'en should be about having fun, with youngsters out trick or treating with
their parents or guardians. It should not be about causing criminal damage and menacing
older and vulnerable people.
"Many residents dread this time of year and are often fearful of an unwelcome knock at the
door after dark. That's why we will be working closely with the police to provide
reassurance and doing all we can to prevent an inconsiderate minority from making the evening a
misery for our vulnerable residents."
Police community support officers and the borough's licensing officers are distributing
posters to all local shops and schools saying that flour and eggs will not be sold to young
people under 18 years over the Hallowe'en period.
The borough's community safety partnership offers these guidelines for parents and young people who plan to trick or treat:
- parents or a responsible adult should always accompany children to make sure they stay safe
- parents should identify neighbours who are willing to have "trick or treat" calls
- make these neighbours aware of approximately what time you plan to call
- discuss with these neighbours what treats are appropriate
- discuss what tricks are acceptable with your children
- parents should discourage older children (teenagers) from trick or treating – it is an activity for young children. As a rule if they are old enough to trick or treat on their own, they are too old to do it.
Police officers will be visiting schools and youth clubs across the Royal Borough to talk to
young people about safety at Hallowe'en and raising awareness of the posters.
To download a copy of the poster and leaflet, log on to www.thamesvalley.police.uk/reduction/saferhomes/safehome/safe6.htm or visit your local police station. A dedicated seasonal crime reduction section is available on the community safety website, www.rbwmsafety4all.org.uk
Supt Tim De Meyer, Commander of Windsor and Maidenhead local policing area, said: "Hallowe'en is fun for lots of people and that's great. But those who choose to celebrate Hallowe'en must understand that there are many who dread it – particularly some elderly residents who are intimidated by knocks at the door, unexpected callers and loud noises outside. So please enjoy Hallowe'en, just do so safely and respectfully."
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