An Garda Síochána issue advice on staying safe this Halloween

As preparations are well under way across Mayo for tonight’s Halloween festivities, An Garda Síochána is advising people to be safe and sensible.

Gardaí county and nationwide alike will be working hard to keep people safe during this period.

By following this simple advice, you can make sure that you, your family, friends and neighbours can all have a safe Halloween.

They advised:

• Please be mindful and respectful that not everyone in our community will be participating;
• Children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating;
• Please trick or treat in lit up areas or otherwise ensure that you are highly visible to road users;
• Remember that it is a criminal offence for any person to throw fireworks in the street or in other public places;
• Do not engage in throwing things like eggs and flour. This is vandalism and may be classed as criminal damage;
• Please care for the environment – illegal fireworks and illegal bonfires can not only be extremely dangerous but cause lasting environmental damage;
• Operation Tombola is our nationwide operation focusing on preventing and detecting the sale of fireworks and associated public order and anti-social behaviour issues during the Halloween period.

Over the past decade, Gardaí have seized 1,218 explosives under Operation Tombola, with a value of €225,000. These seizures, undoubtedly have contributed to reducing harm associated with their illegal use.

Superintendent Ann-Marie Twomey, Garda National Community Engagement Bureau said those who attempt to profit from the sale of illegal fireworks are proactively targeted by Gardaí nationwide.

She explained: “The fireworks are seized so as to prevent anti-social behaviour and dangerous incidents including possible injury, and we will prosecute those responsible.

“If you are celebrating Halloween this year, we want you to safely enjoy the night, and we’re asking young people in particular to please be sensible.”

She continued: "You can get into the spirit of Halloween without causing distress to others, potentially endangering yourself by using illegal fireworks or doing anything potentially criminal that will get you into bother.”

An Garda Síochána is also asking drivers to slow down and show extra caution while driving over the next 48 hours as more people including small children will be out on roads.

If you, or a friend or someone in your group becomes in danger or in an emergency at any time during Halloween, please call 999/112 for assistance from the Gardaí and other frontline services.