Have a Spooktacular Halloween and Bonfire Night

The season for fireworks, trick or treats and celebrations is upon us. Whilst this can be an exciting time for many, it can also cause others to feel anxious and worried.

Hertfordshire Constabulary hopes everyone has a safe and enjoyable time but encourages those participating in the festivities to please be considerate and respectful of their neighbours and others.

Local Policing Superintendent Chris Hay said: ‘Residents across the county can expect to see their local neighbourhood officers out on patrol, providing a reassuring presence and keeping everyone safe.

‘Please remember that not everyone celebrates Halloween and we encourage those taking part in local activities to be mindful of others. Whilst some may consider their actions to be harmless fun, it can become a nuisance or danger to others. Please take some time to read our advice for the upcoming period.

‘If anyone has any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to your local officer or contact us through our usual channels.’

Hertfordshire Constabulary is offering the following advice to anyone planning to go out over this period:

• Children should never go trick or treating alone and always take an adult with them.
• Don’t knock on the doors of strangers, unless there are signs that callers are welcome, such as Halloween decorations and police ‘Trick or Treaters Welcome’ posters in the window.
• Keep your Halloween ‘tricks’ safe – damaging property, hurting people, using threatening behaviour or abusive language are all crimes.
• Remember road safety advice, particularly after dark.
• Setting off fireworks in public areas is illegal.
• If you are planning a private firework party, remember it is illegal to set off fireworks after 11pm, except on Bonfire Night when this is extended until midnight.
• For more firework advice visit www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is running a Halloween quiz competition for children, who can win tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden. The competition will close at midnight on Thursday 6 November. To take part in the competition or for more advice on staying safe this Halloween visit herts.police.uk/halloween.

You can contact the police online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, always call 999.