Message from PC Chittim

Dear Upchurch Residents,

Halloween is often a day that many young families enjoy as they get to dress up in scary costumes and children go out trick or treating and return home with bags of sweets. Please all remember though that whilst lots of people enjoy this day; it can often bring anxiety to others that live within your communities; particularly the elderly of whom may not have celebrated this day quite as much when they were younger, as we do now. Please may I ask that everyone has fun but remains respectful for those that may not celebrate this day and may not wish to partake in trick or treating. Where possible only knock on the doors of people displaying pumpkins and Halloween decorations. Owing to the time of year, it is dark and could be quite scary for someone seeing a group of people walking towards them with scary costumes on, particularly if it is a group of older children. Please remind your slightly older children of whom may be out in a group rather than with their parents to behave as you would expect any other day. It can be easy to get carried away in the moment.

For those of you who enjoy this day and are going trick or treating, please do so safely and consider wearing reflective clothing or having at least one member of your party wearing a reflective coat and carrying a torch. There are some areas which lack a pavement and much lighting and it will be very difficult for road users to see you.

Should you experience any anti-social behaviour or criminality whilst out and about; please report it to the police on 999 if in progress. There will be an increased policing presence and a designated control room dealing with calls of this nature on Halloween and Bonfire night.

Have fun and stay safe.

Kind regards,

Jez

Message Sent By
Jez Chittim
(Kent Police, Police Constable, Swale Neighbourhood Officer)