Trick, Treat or an Evening of Terror

Police offer support for residents for whom Halloween proves a nightmare

With Halloween upon us again this week, Chiswick Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be on duty until midnight on Wednesday 31st October in order to deal with unwanted 'trick or treaters' (other than the genuine children with accompanying adult).

Chiswick's Inspector Dave Osbourne said "Your local SNT will endeavor to respond to calls for police assistance that are not an emergency and are relating to 'trick or treaters' or fireworks being thrown in the street by youths etc.”

He continued “Should residents wish to deter any unwanted callers to their doors a poster is available to display on your doors and windows. A copy of the Halloween Code with guidelines regarding 'trick or treating' is also available from the Police station."

"If you need to contact Turnham Green, Homefields or Riverside Wards on Halloween night, please contact 0208 247 6415 and a member of the Safer Neighbourhood Teams will assist you. In the event that any incident needs an immediate police response, then the '999' system should be used".

Tips for a safe Halloween:

If you do decide to go trick or treating respect the wishes of any household displaying a ‘No Trick or Treat’ poster. It’s there for a reason!

When trick or treating you should also stay as safe as possible by following the ‘Halloween Code’:

• Always go trick or treating with an adult
• Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents
• Don’t knock on doors where there is a ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign
• Stay in areas that are well lit with street lights take a torch with you just in case
• Stay with your friends - don’t split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you
• Don’t talk to strangers on the street
• Don’t enter any house - stay on the doorstep
• Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly
• Be visible
• Look carefully before crossing the road, even if you’re part of a group
• Don’t vandalise anything or throw things like eggs and flour.
• This can cause a great deal of damage and misery. What’s more it can be classed as criminal damage, or even assault, and a night of ‘fun’ could end up with you in trouble with the police

October 30, 2007