Kids urged to have fun by keeping the horror out of Halloween
| Published: 24th October 2008 17:35 |
Police in Taunton and Wellington will be working hard next week to help keep the horror out of Halloween as part of Operation Relentless.
Officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in hot spot areas and are taking part in a number of diversionary activities that will allow local children to enjoy the spooky evening - without becoming involved in antisocial behaviour.
Neighbourhood PCSOs have been liaising with local schools across the area in the run-up to half term to raise awareness of personal safety as well as asking children to respect any notices in residents' windows requested no 'trick or treat' callers.
Local police have teamed up with the Fire Service to invite those aged between 11 and 17 years to a barbeque at Huish Woods where they can have some fun in a supervised environment.
Police will also be on hand at the Energise Youth Disco at Dellars on Friday October 31. This is held on the last Friday of every month from 7pm to 10pm for 11 to 17 years olds and this month will have a Halloween theme.
Inspector Roger Tolley said: "As part of our ongoing Operation Relentless we will have a strong uniformed presence on the streets on October 31 2008. Officers and PCSOs will deal firmly with any reported anti-social behaviour on the night.
"We want to ensure younger children don't put themselves at risk, by making sure they know not to go off with strangers, to stay in groups and wear reflective or bright clothing so they can be seen on the road.
"We will also be telling older youngsters to respect those people who don't want to take part in 'Trick or Treat'. I would ask parents and carers to reinforce those messages so that their children stay safe and don't get into trouble."
Insp Tolley added that the police have provided posters to vulnerable residents (pictured) that can put in their window to deter callers on the night. They are also visiting supermarkets and convenience stores to encourage them to refuse to sell eggs and flour to children.
Taunton Deane Borough Council will be providing a 'cleaning wagon' to clear up any eggs, flour, or other rubbish on streets and local businesses have also donated a few treats that police will be handing out to genuine trick or treaters on the evening.
Hotline number to contact...
Police have set up a dedicated Halloween Hotline for Taunton residents to report any antisocial behaviour incidents directly to police in the town. It will be open from 5.30pm on Friday October 31 into the early hours of Saturday November 1.
The number is 07964 345 867.
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