| Police say over-zealous Halloween ‘tricks’ will be dealt with in the same way as nuisance behaviour any other time of year, and officers intend to make full use of their powers under Anti Social Behaviour Legislation where it is considered that someone is involved in crime if their actions are considered to be to the detriment of others living in the community.
National figures show police stations throughout the country show a 20% rise in calls of nuisance behaviour at Halloween.
In Dundee, parents have been advised to be wary of their children’s behaviour tomorrow night after officers recovered over 50 litres of alcohol from kids as young as 14 at the weekend.
They’ve also been advised to be on the lookout for adults using the event as an excuse for door-to-door begging.
Inspector Ally Reid, who is in charge of policing the Downfield section, said, “Naturally, we take the time of year into consideration, but we also want people to be aware that what they may consider to be good- spirited fun may not be as enjoyable for other members of the community, particularly the vulnerable.
“Anti-social behaviour is anti-social behaviour, wherever or whenever it occurs and will be dealt with appropriately and according to the circumstances of the incident.
“It is vital, whether at Halloween, Bonfire Night or any other time of the year, that parents are aware of where their children are and what they are involved in. At the same time, we will be taking action to ensure any disruption to the law-abiding community is minimised.”
Rev. David Robertson, Minister of St Peter’s Free Church in Dundee, blamed the increase in anti-social behaviour on the increasing Americanisation and commercialisation of the traditional festival, which in modern times is run to coincide with the eve of All Saints Day.
He also voiced concern that some adults are using it as an excuse for begging.
“Last year I had adults coming to my door singing and asking for money,” said Rev Robertson.
“Trick-or-treating is totally American. It has nothing to do with British culture. I don’t mind kids coming to the door to sing a song or tell a joke, but I think commercialisation has led children to believe that happiness lies in possessions, like these expensive costumes they’re wearing, which in turn leads to theft.
“I would say the root of anti-social behaviour on Halloween lies in the commercialisation and the Americanisation of the traditional festival.
“These costumes are only good for one day of the year and it leads to a general disregard for money and possessions, and makes them more inclined to smash things up, if they don’t know the value of things.”
The increasing commercialisation of Halloween is beyond doubt. According to recent figures, British people are expected to spend over £120m this year — a staggering 10 times the amount spent on the festival just five years ago.
Tayside Police have asked that anyone who does go guising or ‘trick or treating’ tomorrow evening to spare a thought for other members of the community, the vulnerable and elderly in particular.
Young children should be accompanied by an adult and should go to the houses of people they or their friends know and stick to well-lit areas and take a torch.
Young guisers should not go off on their own, or enter the house of anyone they do not know. Equally, those opening their door to guisers — of whatever age — should give serious consideration as to whether they should invite strangers into their home.
Remember road safety. Be Safe and Be Seen and take care at all times crossing any roads.
Anyone who has any concerns about someone’s behaviour or an incident should report them to Tayside Police on 01382 223200, or speak to any officer. |
