The Bermuda Police Service will step up its patrols to make this Halloween as safe and enjoyable as possible, especially for children.

While there has been “an encouraging decline” in antisocial behaviour, Superintendent Sean Field-Lament told a press conference yesterday that police would be working hard to continue that trend again this year.

He said officers would be patrolling the Island monitoring the various Halloween related activities and he appealed to the community to do its part to preserve the safety and security of everyone.

Supt Field-Lament advised motorists to slow down to help keep the roads calmer, particularly when travelling through neighbourhoods while children are out “trick or treating”.

“We don’t want a tragedy to occur, as there will be lots of pedestrians on the roads, many of whom will be children dressed in dark costumes.

“We encourage older children, parents, friends and family to do your part in keeping your young children close by and safe,” said Mr Field-Lament.

“We also ask that persons walking along the main roads with young children wear brightly coloured clothing as well as reflective items and we strongly encourage the use of flashlights during the hours of darkness.

“Young children should be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian whilst out ‘trick or treating’. This should be a fun event but let’s also make it a safe event.”

Those who may use Halloween as an opportunity to commit unlawful acts that may cause injury or damage to property were put on notice by the senior officer.

“The Bermuda Police Service would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that such behaviour will not be tolerated and officers will use all lawful powers to deter and detect antisocial behaviour,” he said.

“However, we cannot do this alone. Working in partnership with you, the community, the Bermuda Police Service asks that parents, shopkeepers and gas station owners/operators be wary of persons, particularly those young in age, who attempt to purchase unusually large quantities of eggs.

“Throwing eggs at people or property may seem like innocent fun but this irresponsible and potentially dangerous act can cause personal injury and property damage. Therefore anyone caught engaging in such activity will be dealt with appropriately.”

He urged Halloween revellers to act responsibly and consider their “options and the consequences” carefully.

“If you intend on consuming alcohol, please do not make the mistake of driving whilst impaired. Poor choices can have long term ramifications.”