Be Safe and Considerate this Halloween and Fireworks Night

Young people can make this Halloween one to remember by entering an online quiz where they can win a magical prize for the whole family.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has teamed up again this year with Warner Bros to give youngsters the chance to win a fantastic family ticket to The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden.

Over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, Hertfordshire Constabulary is inviting young people between the ages of 5 and 16 across the county to take part in the online quiz, which aims to help them enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely.

The quiz is part of a campaign run during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, with local councils and the Fire and Rescue Service, to deter anti-social behaviour and make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

To enter the competition visit www.herts.police.uk/halloween and answer the questions before midnight on Monday 8 November.

Everyone is looking forward to having a more normal Halloween and Fireworks Night this year, however some view this time of year with apprehension.

Whilst people are out having fun, it is important to remember how their behaviour might be affecting neighbours and vulnerable people living in the community, like the elderly and those with young children or living alone.

This time of year tends to be the busiest period for police as there is the often a big increase in the number of calls received relating to anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. As in previous years, there will again be an increased number of officers on duty and will be carrying out extra high visibility and covert patrols to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

Officers from Safer Neighbourhood Teams across the county will be working with local councils, the Fire and Rescue Service and businesses to make sure anti-social behaviour remains low.

If children (and parents) are planning to go trick or treating, consider the following advice to help you stay safe and not cause distress to others:

• Never go trick or treating alone and always take an adult with you.
• Don’t knock on the doors of strangers
• Only visit houses where there are signs that trick or treaters are welcome, such as Halloween decorations and pumpkins outside.
• Keep your Halloween ‘tricks’ safe – damage to property or hurting someone is a crime. Threatening and abusive behaviour can amount to an offence too.
• Remember road safety rules, particularly after dark.
• Wear something bright so that drivers can see you.
• If you are planning on hosting your own firework party make sure you tell all your neighbours, especially those with pets who may be affected by the noise.

Police are also reminding residents that if they are going out to a Halloween party or firework display, to make sure they lock their homes securely and leave a light on to give their home a lived-in-look.

Inspector Adam Such, who is coordinating the Constabulary’s activity around Halloween and Bonfire Night, said: ‘We hope that everyone can have a fun and safe Halloween and Firework Night, however some residents, particularly those living alone, can feel frightened or intimidated.

‘We don’t want to stop anyone from enjoying themselves, but please remember that damaging other people’s property, causing injury or intimidating people are crimes and could lead to an arrest. There will be more officers on patrol during this period, so we will be able to respond quickly to any incidents, as well as providing a highly visible and reassuring presence.’

More advice is available at www.herts.police.uk/halloween where you can also download a ‘Trick-or-Treaters Welcome’ or a ‘No Trick or Treaters’ poster.