Hallowe’en warning for trick or treaters

Oct 21 2010 Chester Chronicle

POLICE in Chester are reminding trick or treaters to be polite and think of others this year.

As well as carrying out extra patrols in the evenings, officers will be carrying out special operations during the Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night period aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and other issues associated with this time of year.

Insp Steve Beddows, of Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “We will have a special team, made up of police officers, Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and Cheshire West and Chester Council Wardens in operation throughout the period with the intention of dealing with potential trouble makers.

“We are not out to spoil the fun for people who genuinely want to celebrate Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night, but I want to be extremely clear that we will not tolerate anti-social and nuisance behaviour and will take robust action against anyone who is caught causing trouble.”

The teams will be working with local shops and off- licences in the run-up to the celebrations to ensure laws on selling alcohol and fireworks are adhered to. They will also be asking shops not to sell flour and eggs to youngsters during the Hallowe’en period.

Residents are also being offered flyers to put up in their windows to either tell trick or treaters they are welcome or to ask them not to call.

The leaflets are being delivered to homes in the area, are available from local shops and police stations or can be printed off at www.cheshire.police.uk.

Insp Case added: “There is nothing wrong with genuine trick or treating as long as it is welcomed by residents. I would ask anyone going out trick or treating to abide by the posters displayed in windows and be considerate to others.”

If you need to report any incidents of anti-social, nuisance or criminal behaviour in the run-up to or during Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night, call Cheshire Constabulary on 0845 458 0000.