With Halloween fast approaching, police put out the word early, in the interest of Bermuda’s children especially, and warned that antisocial behaviour like hurling eggs, will not be tolerated in their policing plan for Tuesday, October 31st, and parties this weekend.
With stepped up patrols across the island to ensure public safety, motorists were also advised to slow down.
A police spokesman said: “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 coloured costumes.”
Police also urged parents to keep their children “close and safe” and recommended that people out on the streets wear reflective clothing.
But he said: “The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) 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,” he said.
The BPS also moved to “reassure the public that such behaviour will not be tolerated”. “And officers will use the lawful powers to deter and detect antisocial 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,” he added.
“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.”
Police will be patrolling western, central and eastern parishes, monitoring the various Halloween related activities throughout the weekend through to Tuesday night and overnight that night.
“Although the BPS is well positioned to deal with Halloween from an enforcement perspective, our focus is also on public safety – and we appeal to the community to do their part to preserve the safety and security of everyone,” the spokesman said.
To help keep the roads, calmer, motorists were advised to slow down, particularly when traveling through neighbourhoods.
“We encourage older children, parents, friends and family to do their part in keeping their young children close 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 strongly encourage the use of flashlights during the hours of darkness.”
Additionally, he said: “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 BPS 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,” he added.
“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, he said: “The Bermuda Police Service would like to wish those participating in Halloween related activities a safe and enjoyable Halloween.”
