Swindon shop owners asked to help police tackle anti-social behaviour this Halloween
It's after reports in previous years of young people throwing eggs and flour at houses.
Police are urging shop owners in Swindon to be “extra vigilant” in tackling anti-social behaviour on Halloween.
There’s often a risk that under 18’s may try to buy eggs and flour to throw at homes and buildings.
Businesses and supermarkets are now being asked to be careful who they’re selling to and what items are being bought.
Sergeant Andy Pool from Swindon Police told us disrupting traffic can have serious consequences:
“I have known in the past where eggs have been thrown at cars as they’re driving along.
“As you’re driving and an egg hits the side of your window, yes it’s just an egg, but that initial loud bang, the shock, that could cause you to take evasive action and lead to an accident as well.”
It's after reports in previous years of this kind of anti-social behaviour, which is particularly harmful to vulnerable people.
Sergeant Andy Pool said that Halloween can be a frightening time for them:
“You do have people that go out, not to have fun, but to terrorize local residents and cause a bit of mischief.
"While it may seem fun at the time, if you’ve got a vulnerable resident in a house and their windows are being pelted with eggs, this may be one of many incidents for them. It may not be the first time."
There is often an increased risk of anti-social behaviour at this time of year.
Wiltshire Police have now written an open letter to businesses to try to raise awareness in the lead up to Halloween.
It says: "We will not tolerate those wishing to cause harm and disruption to our communities and have warned people that anti-social behaviour and criminal damage during this time will be dealt with firmly and appropriately."
Andy Pool said:
“Just by simply asking the business just to be a bit more aware, a bit conscious of who they’re selling it to – this will hopefully see a reduction in that area, as opposed to being purely reliant on the police.
"By asking shops to get involved and look at who they’re selling to, they can have a part to play in the reduction.”