Sidmouth trick or treat ASBO warning

ANTI-SOCIAL trick or treaters, intent on giving Sidmouth residents a fright this weekend, have been warned police will be taking a zero-tolerance approach over Halloween bad behaviour.

ANTI-SOCIAL trick or treaters, intent on giving Sidmouth residents a fright this weekend, have been warned police will be taking a zero-tolerance approach over Halloween bad behaviour.

The majority of well-behaved youngsters looking forward to enjoying fancy-dress fun on Sunday have been urged to keep safe, and parents advised to supervise activities.

Sidmouth Sergeant Andy Turner told the Herald: “The neighbourhood team will be out in force on the evening to ensure kids stay safe.

“I would remind everyone the idea is to have a bit if fun, not to make people’s lives a misery.

“Halloween isn’t a huge problem generally, most children are well supervised and are normally polite and behaved.

“We’ve had a couple of years where we’ve not had a single call and we want to keep it that way.

“Our main message is for kids to keep safe. I would ask children to make sure they observe the rules of the road. Ideally we ask that an adult supervises them. Be careful on the roads and respect the wishes of people that say no.

“A word of warning, when it comes to criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and public order offences, we will be taking a hard line.”

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary has issued colour leaflets that can be placed in doors or windows by residents who want to be left in peace. They are available from Sidmouth police station.

Community Safety Partnership bosses in East Devon have contacted shopkeepers and parents to ask them for help in stopping anti-social behaviour, and to keep an eye on the sale of eggs and flour that could be used in mischief.

Gerry Moore, community safety and anti-social behaviour co-ordinator said: “We must continue to keep working together to make everyone in the community feel safe and free from worry about this kind of nuisance behaviour.”