Help stop Hallowe’en nightmares  

For many people, the growing popularity of Hallowe’en trick-or-treating has become a nightmare.

Here at neighbourhoodwatch.net the last thing we want is to be labelled party poopers. But we do want to do our bit to ensure youngsters who take part in the Hallowe'en festivities steer clear of those who would prefer not to be pestered on their own doorsteps – and don't end up on the wrong side of the law.

So this year we've produced our very own Neighbourhood Witch poster. The message is polite but firm: 'Trick or treat? No thanks!' The poster is available as a download from the Resources section of this website, or click here to download the poster.

Print off your poster and place it prominently in a front window on October 31 where it can be clearly seen from the doorstep – and hopefully the message will get across to trick-or-treaters that it's pointless them knocking at your door.

Essex Police is just one of several forces across the UK determined to make youngsters aware of their responsibilities to others on Hallowe'en.

'Don't get egg on your face' is the headline of a hard-hitting poster and online campaign now running in Essex.

It often comes as a nasty surprise to youngsters that what often starts out as harmless fun can result in a criminal conviction when Hallowe'en pranks get out of hand.

Under the Public Order Act, anyone behaving in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress could be arrested. Threatening to throw something, shouting through the letter box and scaring people are all examples of this anti-social behaviour.

Anyone causing criminal damage could also be arrested. Eggs do cause permanent damage to property. In Essex the police are advising shops not to sell flour and eggs to young people on or around October 31st.
Steve Tutton, Head of Essex Police Community Safety department, explains: "Opening the door to ghosts and ghouls is not everyone's idea of a good night. Some people may not be prepared with a bag of sweets or may run out. Eggs do cause permanent damage to brickwork and anyone throwing them at houses is causing criminal damage.

"If the behaviour of a certain person or group of people is causing harassment, they will be dealt with swiftly by officers who will be keeping an eye on events."

The final word from Essex Police to would-be trick-or-treaters – "Do not knock on the doors of strangers whatever your age."



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