Police praise Hallowe'en trick or treaters

POLICE have praised the behaviour of young Trick or Treaters who were out and about last night (Thursday, October 31) for Hallowe'en - although they received an increase in calls about anti-social behaviour issues.

There were extra police staff on duty to answer 999 and 101 calls over Hallowe'en and they were patrolling anti-social behaviour hotspots and responding to calls on the night.

The plans police put in place to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour and nuisance over Hallowe'en included handing out Hallowe'en Code cards to trick or treaters and 'sorry no trick or treat' posters to householders who didn't want callers, as well as working with shops to prevent the sale of eggs and flour to children.

PHOTOS: There were some great Trick or Treat fun in Chard town centre last night with traders staying open late to welcome the young Hallowe'en fans and their families.

Chief Superintendent Nikki Watson, who leads on anti-social behaviour issues for the force, said:  "I'd like to take this opportunity to recognise those young people in our communities who have shown that they can have fun at Halloween while at the same time respecting the wishes of people who don't want to mark the occasion.

"Halloween was once one of our busiest nights of the year, but each year since 2011 we have had fewer than 500 emergency calls on October 31. I'm pleased to say that trend has continued this year.

"This year we have seen a slight increase in the number of calls to our non-emergency number, 101, but overall calls are still down on 2011 – and more in line with an average night's calls.

"The slight rise is probably in part because last year the very wet weather kept people indoors, but I hope people are also more confident about letting us know about the problems which are causing them alarm or distress, but which they don't feel need an emergency response."

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