Avoid the real scares of Halloween night

Police offer tips in a bid to keep festivities safe

AS HALLOWEEN and the season for fireworks approaches, Hillingdon Council has produced some tips to help everyone enjoy the festivities safely.

Put a polite note on your door if you do not want to be visited by trick or treaters.

If you want to give Halloween trick or treaters sweets, remember to keep them close to the front door so you can speak to them easily, or close your door fully if you need to go and find something.

Use your door chain when you open your door to anyone you do not know.

If you have got candles or tea lights around your house, make sure you put them in heat resistant holders. Always make sure every candle is fully extinguished before you go out or go to bed.

Remember to leave a light on indoors if you are going to be out, but if you are leaving lights on it is even more important to keep your curtains closed and put valuables out of sight

Check your outside lights work in advance of festivities. They will help you see who is at your front door and will help you open your door if you come home in the dark

Do a last cut back of your hedges at the front of your house. Do not give criminals a hiding place behind high plants that screen them from the road.

Only buy fireworks from reputable retailers and look for those marked BS7114.

Do not let fireworks off after 11pm, except on November 5, when you must not let off fireworks after midnight, and on Diwali not after 1am

Fireworks frighten animals. Keep your cats, dogs and pets safe and secure indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.

Halloween, bonfire night and the days running up to them are traditionally some of the busiest nights of the year for various council departments, Hillingdon Police and the fire brigade.

Councillor

Douglas Mills, cabinet member for community, commerce and regeneration, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the festivities safely and also to show consideration for others.

“We will take action against people mis-selling fireworks or causing antisocial behaviour.”

Call 101 to report nonemergency issues to the police or report anti-social behaviour at www. hillingdon.gov.uk/asb.

The council’s anti-social behaviour investigations team also operates an outof-hours service, on Thursdays from 8pm2am, Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm-3am and on Sundays from 7pm-1am.

It can be contacted on 01895 250 111.