Gardaí in Limerick advise the public to be 'spooky smart' this Halloween

GARDAÍ in Limerick are advising the public to be “spooky smart” this Halloween. 

While spooky season is about having fun and trick or treating on Halloween night this Thursday, gardaí are reminding people in Limerick that “every year, lots of children and young people end up in hospital with injuries”.

Garda John Finnerty of Henry St garda station said: “Be spooky smart this Halloween. Do not buy, use, or ignite fireworks. Fireworks are illegal, dangerous and can cause serious injury. 

“Keep away from bonfires, as they often collapse or explode without warning causing serious injury. 

READ MORE: Limerick authors shortlisted in An Post Irish Book Awards

“As well as this, if you dress up in dark clothes, add reflective material so you can be seen by motorists and cyclists.”

Garda Finnerty also reminds people that their behaviour affects others in their neighbourhood and that loud noises from “fireworks, bangers and bonfires can scare people and animals”.

As preparations are well underway across the country for Halloween festivities, An Garda Síochána is advising people to be safe and sensible.

An Garda Síochána also issued a national statement, which reads: “By following this simple advice, you can make sure that you, your family, friends and neighbours can all have a safe Halloween:

• 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 by putting them into the hands of those that are not licensed to safely use them are proactively targeted by Gardaí nationwide - the fireworks are seized so as 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.

“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 our assistance and that of other frontline services.

Should anyone feel unsafe or in danger in their home, we ask that they please call 999/112 and we will support them.