Police in Burnham-On-Sea have this week warned they will crackdown on any anti-social behaviour during the Halloween weekend as they launch a high-profile bid to ensure residents have a fun and safe time.
Traditionally, Halloween has been the busiest night of the year for police but during the past three years the number of incidents has dropped, something that police are keen to see repeated this year in Burnham and Highbridge.
Officers have warned they will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and high-visibility patrols will be carried out on Halloween night.
Officers have been distributing leaflets and posters to residents and businesses containing advice. Burnham Dreamscheme have also been taking part in a ‘trick, no treat’ campaign to promote safety and police are also working with retailers to crack down on the sales of flour and eggs to under-18s.
Residents not wishing to receive Trick or Treat callers are able to display posters (see link below for the poster) in their windows asking people not to knock on their door.
PCSO Eliot Green, pictured in Burnham Library this week, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Our aim is to provide reassurance and support to make our communities feel safe and be safe on the evening, allowing everyone to get into the spirit of the occasion and to have a fun and safe time.”
“Police want youngsters who are out and about on Halloween night to enjoy themselves, ensuring they stay safe and respect residents living in the area they frequent, taking note of any houses displaying ‘No Trick or Treat’ posters.”
Our photo, top, shows Burnham-On-Sea police launching their Halloween campaign in the town’s library on Tuesday
.Police advice for safe ‘Trick or Treating’
Police have issued several tips for Trick or Treating to ensure that everyone stays safe this Halloween and that more vulnerable residents don’t feel intimidated:
• Always go trick or treating with other people. You will have more fun and it will always be safer for you.
• Make sure an adult knows where you will be and always stay in that area.
• Always stay on the doorstep – don’t go into the homes of people you don’t know.
• Respect posters put up by residents, like the one shown here.
• If you are going to do tricks make sure they are harmless. Remember that Halloween is not an excuse to break the law and if you commit crime or anti-social behaviour you will be dealt with by police the same as on any other day of the year.
• Parents of younger children taking part in Halloween festivities are encouraged to accompany their children or ensure they remain in groups and to wear reflective or bright clothing.
Click to download the police’s Halloween ‘trick or treat’ window poster
