Halloween trick or treaters warned of council's zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour (From Thurrock Gazette)

Halloween trick or treaters warned of council's zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour

3:00pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News

THURROCK Council has warned parents and young people it will not tolerate anti-social behaviour this Halloween.

The authority’s youth offending and troubled family teams will be on the streets of the borough during the celebrations as part of a stay safe operation.

The operation gives officers the chance to speak to young people on the streets, talk to them about their issues and, where necessary, deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour with help from Essex Police.

Officers also take details of young people and contact their parents explaining the work being done to reduce anti-social behaviour and youth crime.
 

The portfolio holder for public protection, Cllr Angie Gaywood, said: “Halloween is an event that many people enjoy, dressing up, decorating their homes or visiting friends and neighbours.

"However trick or treat can sometimes be taken too far, intimidation and harassment is not fun and not part of Halloween.
 

“Some people do not want to take part in Halloween.
 

"Older or vulnerable people in particular will not want to answer their door at night and this should be respected.”

Essex Police have posters available which residents can print off and display asking for no trick or treaters.