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Dont Make Halloween A Helloween
Don't Make Halloween A Hell-oween
10th October 2008
Statement from the Chairman of Strabane Community Safety Partnership
Young people and their parents and guardians living in Strabane District are being encouraged not to make a Halloween, ‘hell-oween’ for others this year. Strabane Community Safety Partnership and Strabane District Council are appealing to them to help put a stop to the anti-social behaviour that is often associated with Halloween in a campaign which includes ‘no trick or treat’ posters and advice on acceptable behavior.
Halloween can be harmless fun, but sometimes members of the community can become distressed by unexpected callers. The behavior of some trick or treaters can also be intimidating and even criminal.
Strabane Community Safety Partnership and Strabane District Council are appealing for parents across the District to be aware of their children’s activities and behavior this Halloween and have produced posters for people who do not want to receive callers. Those who do not wish to be visited by ‘Trick or Treat’ callers can display the poster in their window or on their front door and give out a clear message that the householder doesn’t want to be trick or treated this year. ‘No trick or treat’ posters will be available free from the 15th October 2007 and can be obtained from the following locations:
- Strabane District Council offices
- Strabane Community Library
· Derg Valley Care, Castlederg
· Churchtown Community Association, Castlederg
· Dennet Inter-Change, Donemana
· Strabane Community Project (St. Pats Hall)
· Strabane & District Community Network, Main Street, Newtownstewart
Strabane Community Safety Partnership would like to remind residents to be aware of the following safety messages:
- You have the right to say no to trick or treaters
- Always use your door chain when opening the door
- Do not let anyone in your house unless you are happy with their identity
- Do not deal with doorstep sales people unless you are sure that they are genuine
- Always ask for identification from official callers
- If you need goods or services, buy only from reputable suppliers or by recommendation.
Councillor Derek Hussey, Chairman of Strabane Community Safety Partnership said “We don’t want to stop people having fun, but Halloween can be a stressful time for the elderly or anyone living on their own and these posters politely ask trick ortreater’snot to call this time”.
Strabane Community Safety Partnership are also re-running its Halloween safety competition in primary schools throughout the District which gives practical safety tips for children who are out ‘trick or treating over the holiday period. Parents/guardians are advised to talk through the idea of 'trick or treat' and make sure that their children do not do anything to either upset or annoy the people that they visit.
- Stress the difference between 'fun' and 'anti-social behavior'.
- A responsible adult should always accompany young children ‘trick or treating’.
- Older children should agree with their parents/guardians in advance where they are going and what form their 'trick or treat' activities will take.
- Some masks can obstruct a child's vision and this is a potential danger, especially if they are crossing roads. Consider using face paints instead.
- Parents/guardians and children should be aware of the effects that painted faces or masks can have on people who open their doors to them.
All 'trick or treaters' should avoid calling on the elderly, vulnerable and at houses that are displaying the no trick or treat sign.
