Community Policing Inspector Jim Tyner says: “People should have fun and enjoy themselves, but not at the expense of other peoples’ misery.”
South Holland historically records an increase in anti-social behaviour during the period between Halloween and Bonfire Night. The anti-social behaviour can include aggressive ‘trick or treating’, misuse of fireworks, under-age drinking and criminal damage.
Insp Tyner said: “Please be a good neighbour and make contact with your community policing team if you have vulnerable neighbours who suffered problems last year. We will aim to include this in our reassurance patrols.”
The “No trick or treat” poster on the facing page is for any members of our community who do not want people to knock on their door.
They are also available from your community policing team at Spalding Police Station and Holbeach Police Station or can be downloaded and printed from the police website www.lincs.police.uk
One theory around dressing up as a ghost is that it was done to scare off other ghosts at a time of year when pagan Celts believed the walls between our world and the next became thin and porous, allowing spirits to pass through.
So it’s meant to be frightening, but be careful not to frighten vulnerable people and, unless prearranged, do not visit the elderly members of our community.
If homes are not displaying trick or treat posters or illuminated pumpkins and decorations, it probably means they don’t want to take part. Please respect this and only visit those that are welcoming visitors.
Insp Tyner added: “We won’t be using broomsticks, but my community policing teams, supported by members of the Special Constabulary, will be on foot, on bicycles and in cars, patrolling South Holland.
“Anyone acting in an antisocial manner or who is carrying eggs or flour may be fined or arrested if their intention is to cause harm or distress to others.
“Keep your tricks within the law – anything that results in damage is an offence and will be dealt with as such.”
Police have been visiting schools across South Holland reminding trick or treaters not to knock on the doors of strangers and never go into a stranger’s house.
Police will also be tweeting advice and information about Halloween before and during the evening to reassure the community. You can follow them @spaldingpolice
