Patrols Stepped Up For Halloween

28 October 2011, 06:00

Extra patrols are being carried out across the Thames Valley this weekend to stop any trouble over Halloween.

Schoolchildren in the Thames Valley have been shown a video leading up to a night of trick or treating, showing the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

It features a teenager who was convicted of arson after putting a fire cracker through the letterbox of a family home, causing a massive fire in which, thankfully, no-one was hurt.

Check out the video on YouTube

Ch Supt David Lewis, Head of Neighbourhood Policing and Partnerships, said:

"I know for some people, this time of year can be unsettling as your evenings are interrupted with people knocking on your doors asking for treats.

"Most of these children or teenagers are just getting involved in the Halloween celebrations and will be friendly.

"Neighbourhood teams will be patrolling over the weekend to ensure everybody behaves themselves and that people intent on causing trouble don’t spoil the fun for everyone else."

Advice from police includes:

- Don't open your door if you're unsure who is there. Use your spy-hole or look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.
- Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour at hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.
- If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Halloween. If you are a coordinator, please identity people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.

To report anti-social behaviour contact the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 0845 8 505 505.