Police Officers To Be Patrolling Over Halloween
“Police officers will be patrolling throughout the island monitoring the various Halloween related activities,” the police said today, adding that “officers will use all lawful powers to deter and detect anti-social behaviour.”
Acting Superintendent Steve Donnelly said, “Halloween is fast approaching and on Monday, October 31st children and adults alike, dress up in costumes and enjoy a host of activities across the island.
“Children will be going door to door to collect candy and many adults will gather at private Halloween functions across the island during the weekend prior to Monday.
“As usual police officers will be patrolling throughout the island, monitoring the various Halloween related activities. Although the Bermuda Police Service is well positioned to deal with Halloween from an enforcement perspective, I really want to take this opportunity to appeal to the community to do your part to preserve the safety and security of everyone.
“Motorists are advised to slow down to help keep the roads calmer, particularly when traveling through neighbourhoods. We don’t want a tragedy to occur, as there will be lots of pedestrians on the roads – many of whom will be children dressed in dark costumes.
“We encourage older children, parents, friends and family to do your part in keeping your young children close by and safe. We also ask that persons walking along the main roads with young children wear brightly coloured clothing as well as reflective items and we strongly encourage the use of flashlights during the hours of darkness.
“In addition, young children should be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian whilst out ‘trick or treating.’ This should be a fun event but let’s also make it a safe event.
“To that end, the Bermuda Police Service is mindful that there are persons within our community who will use Halloween as an opportunity to commit unlawful acts which may cause injury to persons and/or damage to property. Such acts include but are not limited to throwing eggs and other projectiles.
“The Bermuda Police Service would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that such behaviour will not be tolerated and officers will use all lawful powers to deter and detect anti-social behaviour.
“However, we cannot do this alone – working in partnership with you the community, the Bermuda Police Service asks that parents, shopkeepers and gas station owners/operators be wary of persons, particularly those young in age, who attempt to purchase unusually large quantities of eggs.
“Throwing eggs at people or property may seem like innocent fun – but this irresponsible and potentially dangerous act can cause personal injury and property damage. Therefore anyone caught engaging in such activity will be dealt with appropriately.
“Patrons attending Halloween parties are asked to act in a responsible manner. Carefully consider your options and the consequences. If you intend on consuming alcohol – please, do not make the mistake of driving whilst impaired. Poor choices can have long term ramifications.
“In closing, the Bermuda Police Service would like to wish those participating in Halloween related activities a safe and enjoyable Halloween.”
Halloween can be so much fun for the little ones, a sense of adventure and a barr el of laughs for the older ones. Throwing eggs can result in serious situations if the motoring public are the victims. Acts of vandalism, violence and theft sho uld be dealt with quickly and appropriately.