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With Today being Halloween, Gardaí are gearing up to ensure the celebrations across the country remain safe and enjoyable for all. As the streets prepare to fill with costumed trick-or-treaters, An Garda Síochána is urging the public to stay cautious, respectful, and mindful of others this Halloween.

From organised patrols to public advisories, Gardaí are focused on maintaining order during the holiday, with a clear message: a safe Halloween is a fun Halloween. They offer a set of easy-to-follow guidelines to help families, friends, and neighbours enjoy the festivities without any unwelcome incidents.

In particular, Gardaí remind everyone to respect that not all members of the community will be participating in Halloween. The following safety tips are being promoted for a peaceful and secure evening:

• Always Accompany Young Trick-or-Treaters: Children should be supervised by an adult while trick-or-treating to ensure their safety, especially when crossing roads or visiting unfamiliar areas.
• Stay Visible: Whether you’re taking kids out or simply heading to a friend’s house, stick to well-lit areas and wear bright or reflective clothing to remain visible to drivers.
• Fireworks and Bonfires: Illegal fireworks and bonfires pose serious risks to both individuals and the environment. Gardaí warn that throwing fireworks or other objects in public areas is a criminal offence that can lead to serious consequences.
• Respect Public and Private Property: Throwing eggs, flour, or other items at houses or cars is considered vandalism and may even result in criminal charges.

As part of their efforts, Gardaí have launched Operation Tombola, an initiative targeting the sale of illegal fireworks and addressing anti-social behaviour around Halloween. Over the past decade, this operation has led to the seizure of 1,218 explosives, valued at €225,000—a proactive measure that has significantly reduced the dangers posed by illegal fireworks.

Superintendent Ann-Marie Twomey, of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau, highlights the importance of this initiative, stating:

“Those who attempt to profit from the sale of illegal fireworks by putting them into the hands of those not licensed to safely use them are proactively targeted by Gardaí nationwide – the fireworks are seized to prevent anti-social behaviour and dangerous incidents including possible injury, and we will prosecute those responsible.

As always, we prioritise the safety of young people and the wider community. 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.”

Drivers are also being urged to slow down and stay alert for the increased foot traffic, including young children who may unexpectedly dart into the road. Gardaí caution that while Halloween is a time for fun, it’s also a time to be extra vigilant.

In case of an emergency, Gardaí advise that anyone in immediate danger or in need of urgent assistance should call 999 or 112, where support from the Gardaí and other emergency services will be promptly available.