Halloween is such an exciting time for children – to dress up, to join in spooky events and to enjoy time with friends.
However, for some people it can mean something completely different.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and the PSNI, supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, are appealing to parents and youth and community leaders to help ensure a happy, fun and safe Halloween for everyone.
Children love to Trick or Treat, to show off their costumes and to get those all-important sweets! But, for some residents, rapping doors at night time can feel scary and intimidating. To help those people, the ‘Remember, Be Polite on Halloween Night’ campaign provides A5 notices saying ‘No Trick or Treaters Please’ and can be displayed in house windows or doors. Alternatively, if you would like some ghoulish visitors, the other side of the notice can be displayed, ‘Trick or Treaters Welcome’.
Fireworks and sparklers can be beautiful – but also extremely dangerous – so the regional fireworks campaign is urging everyone to stay safe. Children using sparklers should be closely supervised at all times and fireworks should only be purchased from licensed dealers, not market stalls or individuals selling door-to-door. These fireworks may not be British Standard approved and could be very dangerous.
If you have any information about illegal fireworks sales, please contact your local police on 101. Further information on the law regarding fireworks and advice on using fireworks safely can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/fireworks
Finally, anti-social behaviour at this time of year causes damage and vulnerable members of our society can feel threatened – what some think is a prank can have serious consequences. If you are caught taking part in this type of activity you could actually face prosecution for criminal damage or anti-social behaviour.
“We want everyone to enjoy the Halloween festivities this year, but to also be mindful of those who are find Halloween a frightening time,” commented Councillor Jill Macauley, Chair of the PCSP.
“There are many planned events to enjoy including the fabulous fireworks display at Craigavon Lakes on Thursday 28th October at 8pm. We look forward to seeing families making the most of the celebrations this year while also helping us to ensure that those vulnerable members of society are protected.”
For more information, please contact Annette Blaney, PCSP Project Co-Ordinator on 028 3831 3607 or email
