Campaign launched to end Halloween pranks

HALLOWEEN is fast approaching, and while the country has been gripped by the 'Creepy clown' craze (pranksters dress as 'creepy clowns' to deliberately scare people), steps are being taken to protect the elderly and vulnerable. 

Every year the gardai are inundated with complaints over anti-social behaviour on Halloween, with a favourite trick being pelting homes with eggs or flour and also pedestrians dress in all dark clothing making them very difficult to see by other road users .

Sgt. Gerry McNally. Westport Garda Station, said 'While we do not want to be accused of stopping people enjoying themselves, we would also ask those same people to think of the impact of their behaviour on others and themselves.

 'Their actions can cause fear and anxiety to other people. This could be perceived to be intimidating and threatening which could lead to public order offences, arrest and a criminal record.'

The Road Safety Office, supported by Tidy Towns committees, is launching a campaign to highlight road safety and at the same time are taking steps to curb an expected surge in anti-social behaviour over the Halloween period, fearing a small number of youths will take to the street to devastate rural communities with pranks.

Posters are being made available to download to put in front windows and behind shop counters to make it known that spooky-happenings are unwelcome.