The Two Sides of Hallowe'en
Hallowe'en is traditionally a night of fun and frolics with children and
parents alike knocking on doors for a night of 'Trick or Treating': but
for some it can be a scary experience.
The majority of people see Hallowe'en as good-humoured fun with children dressing up as ghosts, witches or monsters; and householders are happy to hand over sweets. Children accompanied by their parents or responsible adults call at houses where they know they will be made welcome for some good-natured trick or treating.
However, there are sometimes gangs who swoop along a street, knocking at every door demanding some sort of gift or payment. For the vulnerable or elderly, this can be an intimidating experience. If they are unprepared, or unwilling to respond, they can be targets for anti social behaviour. Some people want their privacy respected, and have a right not to be accosted on their own doorstep.
We are not being killjoys - we don't want to stop harmless fun - but it ceases to be fun when some residents are genuinely living in fear. To help, the East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership is encouraging people who do not want a Hallowe'en visit to display the "No Trick or Treat"poster which will be available from our websites: Cambridge Constabulary at www.cambs.police.uk (click on 'crime advice', then 'crime prevention advice', then 'Hallowe'en'; and East Cambridgeshire District Council at www.eastcambs.gov.uk (click on 'community and living', then 'crime prevention', then 'Hallowe'en'). Copies will also be available from Ely Police Station or the Council Office in Nutholt Lane, Ely. The poster should be on the websites, or available to collect, from mid-October.
The message to parents is to take responsibility for their children. Explain how vulnerable people can be frightened by an unwanted and unexpected group calling on a dark evening. Tell them to visit only where they know they will be welcome, and to respect people's privacy when there is a "No Trick or Treat" sign on display."
Please contact me if you have any queries.