Counties Manukau Police get prepared for Halloween

Counties Manukau Police are leading an awareness campaign in the run-up to Halloween on 31 October to help keep young people safe and minimise unwanted trick or treaters for householders.

Community Police Officers will be visiting retailers and advising the public about what to do in the lead up to Halloween. It is important people understand that what might be fun for some is frightening or intimidating behaviour to others.

Senior Sergeant, Mike Fulcher said: "We want the community to feel safe in the lead up to Halloween. The purpose of this campaign is to educate young people about the do's and don'ts at this time of year; it isn't to spoil young people's fun but to prevent anti social behaviour from taking place. Halloween should not be used as a chance to upset others.

“We are urging young people to take care if they decide to go trick or treating. It is important that younger children are accompanied by an adult and that any trick or treating is carried out at a sensible time, preferably while it is still light..

"While we encourage community tolerance for Halloween activities, people do not have to accept bad behaviour. If you do have concerns about anti social behaviour on Halloween night we urge you to call police.”

Senior Sergeant Fulcher said there are also safe alternatives to trick or treating with many communities arranging local Halloween events where young people can dress up and take part in some fun activities.

He said officers will be patrolling likely problem areas.

Counties Manukau Police have made a poster that can be accessed via the New Zealand Police website: http://www.police.govt.nz/safety/index.html

The poster displays two messages; on one side the poster informs Trick or Treaters that the householder would prefer to not participate in this festive season reading "I don't like to be spooked... It drives me batty!!! No Trick or Treaters, Please."

On the other side of the poster it informs Trick or Treaters that the householder is Halloween friendly reading "Spooktacular!!! Trick or Treaters welcome!!"

Senior Sergeant Mike Fulcher encourages the community to print these posters and display whatever side applies to the household in a front window, somewhere that is very visible to Trick or Treaters. This is the first easy step to preventing unwanted incidents taking place.

Spooktacular things to remember for Halloween include:
• stay in well lit areas
• children should be accompanied by an adults and only houses where you or your friends know the residents
• be visible and stay with your friends
• do not frighten elderly people and respect people who do not want trick or treaters coming to their doors
• do not commit a crime thinking you will get away with it because it is Halloween
• householders do not have to respond to knocks at the door
• if there are problems or incidents that you're worried about, contact police for advice or assistance.

ENDS

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