Treat your community to a peaceful Hallowe'en

Community wardens and Thames Valley Police will once again be putting extra patrols on the streets of the Royal Borough to provide a reassuring presence for residents over the Hallowe'en period.

Gail Lumsden, anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, said: "Hallowe'en is traditionally a time for children to go out trick or treating. While most is harmless fun, it can be stressful for the more vulnerable members of our community, particularly older people.

"Many elderly and vulnerable residents get anxious at this time of year and can be fearful of an unwelcome knock at the door after dark. That's why we will be once again working closely with the police to provide reassurance and doing all we can to prevent an inconsiderate minority from making the evening a misery for our vulnerable residents and to ensure they feel safer."

Community wardens, police community support officers and the borough's licensing officers have distributed posters to all local shops and schools saying that flour and eggs will not be sold to young people under18 years over the Hallowe'en period.

The borough's community safety partnership offers these guidelines for parents and young people who plan to trick or treat:

• parents or a responsible adult should always accompany children to make sure they stay safe
• parents should identify neighbours who are willing to have trick or treat calls
• make these neighbours aware of approximately what time you plan to call
• discuss with these neighbours what treats are appropriate
• discuss what tricks are acceptable with your children
• parents should discourage older children (teenagers) from trick or treating - it is an activity for young children. As a rule, if they are old enough to trick or treat on their own, they are too old to do it.

Police officers will be visiting schools and youth clubs across the Royal Borough to talk to young people about safety at Hallowe'en and raise awareness of the posters.

Lee Townsend, deputy LPA area commander for Windsor & Maidenhead said: "Hallowe'en is fun for lots of people and that's great. But those who choose to celebrate Hallowe'en must understand that there are many who dread it - particularly some elderly residents who are intimidated by knocks at the door, unexpected callers and loud noises outside. Please enjoy Hallowe'en, just do so safely and respectfully.

"I am glad that once again we are working closely with the community wardens to reassure our more vulnerable residents. Anyone intent on causing distress or criminal damage will be dealt with robustly."

To download a copy of the poster and leaflet, log on to http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev-home-hols-halloween.

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