By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 12:04, Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Posters telling trick or treaters that they are welcome – or asking them to stay away – have been issued by police for Halloween.

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Police want people to display the posters in their windows tonight.

Michelle Skeer, Assistant Chief Constable, said: “We know how much young people enjoy celebrating Halloween and we don’t want to spoil that, but we also know from previous years that calls, tricks or pranks that may be harmless fun to some people can cause real distress to others.

“Officers out on the beat will also be reminding young people of what is acceptable behaviour to ensure that they are aware of how easily action can turn from being a perceived harmless prank to becoming an action which is a criminal offence.”

Retailers selling fireworks are being visited by police and Trading Standards officers ensure they understand the laws concerning the sale of fireworks.

Mrs Skeer added: “It is essential that retailers know to call the police immediately anyone under the age of 18 attempts to purchase them.

“We are working closely with retailers and licensees who are actively helping us to ensure the safety of the public by ensuring fireworks and alcohol do not get into the hands of those who are under 18.”

Angela Jones, Cumbria County Council Trading Standards, said: “We are reminding retailers that they need to be extra vigilant around Halloween and to take extra precautions to make sure they do not sell fireworks to people aged 18 and under.

“Firework misuse is not only a nuisance but is also dangerous.”

Operation Roman Candle – a scheme between the police, Carlisle City Council, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Riverside Housing Association and Carlisle Youth Zone is underway. It aims to reduce the number of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage incidents, as well as the number of nuisance fires.

Extra police patrols are out so they can tackle any problems before they escalate.

Kevin Johnston, station manager at Carlisle East Fire Station said: “Our crews have been out in the community visiting schools and talking about the dangerous implications of starting fires and playing with fireworks and we’ll be stepping up that message during Operation Roman Candle.

“Our aim is to keep everyone safe over Halloween and Bonfire Night, but we need the public to help us by reporting illegally built bonfires to the city council, reporting anti-social behaviour to the police and removing the opportunity for a fire to be started by clearing bins, skips and other combustible materials.”

The Halloween posters are available to download from www.cumbria.police.uk

First published at 11:38, Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk