Trick or treat antics could end with jail
8:00am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Latest News By Emma Dunn
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Richard Palusinkski, head of community safety at Swindon Community Safety Partnership
TRICK or treaters whose antics get out of control during festivities next week could face a fine of up to £2,500 or even three months in prison.
Wiltshire Police and its partners are encouraging young people to be safe and respect others during Halloween.
Revellers who cause criminal damage by throwing eggs and flour at their victims’ homes are risking a prison sentence or fine.
Those who repeatedly disturb residents by doorknocking could spend up to 14 days in prison or be fined £1,000.
Richard Palusinski, the head of community safety at Swindon Community Safety Partnership, said: “Halloween has always been a fun time for young people. “In having fun people should not have a negative effect on others.
“We want to continue the downward trend in anti-social behaviour and by being aware of the impact you can have on others you can avoid causing distress to people and reduce the likelihood of anti-social activities.”
Swindon Community Safety Partnership is working with neighbourhood policing teams and Swindon Council’s anti-social behaviour team.
Police patrolling on October 31 will be able to issue penalty notices for disorder on the spot, which carry a fine of up to £80.
Superintendent Matt Pullen, the head of local policing south, said: “We understand Halloween is an exciting tradition for young people and we’re not trying to spoil their fun.
“But anyone who engages in anti-social behaviour should be warned that it will not be tolerated.” Supermarkets said they would be extra vigilant on Halloween night in a bid to help keep antics under control.
A spokesman for Asda said: “We ask our checkout operators to make common sense decisions if they feel ingredients are being bought for something more mischievous than a sponge cake.” Tesco, Sainsbury’s and the Co-op also said their stores would be taking a common sense approach to the sale of flour and eggs to youngsters.
People who do not want to receive trick or treat callers should download a poster from the website www.wiltshire.police.uk or contact their local neighbourhood policing team.
