Don't spook old folk with Hallowe'en fun

Posted on October 19, 2005

Halloween and Bonfire Night can be spooky for the wrong reasons if pranks go too far and people do not observe the law, Beds Police have warned.

Police are asking residents to have consideration for the old and vulnerable who may not be so keen on the celebrations.

Every Halloween, there are complaints about pranks that have gone too far, including eggs anf flour bombs being thrown at houses and cars.

And in the run-up to Bonfire Night, problems include children letting off fireworks in the street, and fireworks being lit late at night.

South Beds Community Inspector Steve Barrett said: "During Halloween, some people, particularly the elderly, can find it very frightening to have large groups unexpectedly calling at their homes asking for treats.

"Parents can help by supervising young children and ensuring older ones only call at properties where the householder is known to the family and preferably has agreed to receive trick-or-treaters."

Extra police patrols will be out and about in the run-up to the festivities to enforce the Fireworks Act 2004.

The law states that:

• No-one under 18 should possess fireworks in a public place
• It is an offence to supply/sell fireworks to a person under 18.
• No-one should set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year's Eve.
• It is an offence to throw or light a firework in a public place.

Source: Dunstable Gazette, 19 October 2005