High police presence for Halloween (From Bucks Free Press)

Some tricks could get you a criminal record, say police, as patrols are stepped up to stop anti-social behaviour

8:50am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By James Nadal

High police presence for Halloween

GHOULS and ghosts may be out in force over Halloween but so will the police as an increased number of bobbies are put on the beat to deal with any malevolent spirits.

Extra officers will be patrolling the streets of Marlow and Wycombe district to ensure the American tradition goes off without any trouble.

Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, police chiefs say.

And anyone thinking of going trick or treating on or around October 31 have been issued a clear warning - if you are too old to be doing it without a parent, you should not be doing it all.

Police have warned Halloween revellers not to take their antics too far or they could face being arrested and ending the night with a criminal record.

Inspector Ray Wilks, in charge of Wycombe rural, said: "We have a lot of extra staff on the evening to deal with any reports of anti-social behaviour. There will be a greatly increased presence.

"We want everyone to enjoy themselves but not at the expense of other people. Trick or treaters should be accompanied by a parent or otherwise they're too old to be out trick or treating.

"Some tricks might be considered enough for them to be arrested or get a criminal record."

He called for politeness and respect, especially towards more vulnerable people, such as the elderly.

Insp Wilks, based at Marlow Police Station, said: "They can be genuinely frightened and we want to allay those fears. We focus on those areas to make sure they are safe."

Posters are available to download from the police website for anyone who wishes to warn away trick or treaters and make it clear they will not answer the door on Halloween.

Police officers have been going into schools to talk with children about appropriate behaviour for the occasion.

In general, Insp. Wilks said, crime over Halloween has not been a major problem in recent years and it was usually "stupid things like egg throwing" that were reported.

He added: "I always hope that people will enjoy themselves but behave properly and so nobody feels they end to call the police."

For a poster or more police information on halloween visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev/crprev-asb/crprev-home-hols-halloween/crprev-home-hols-halloween-report.htm