Gardaí issues Halloween safety warning
Spraoi, 'Dearg Due' Fire and Shadows procession. Photo: Joe Evans
As Halloween draws near, An Garda Síochána has issued advise for people to be safe and sensible during the holiday.
"Please be mindful and respectful that not everyone in our community will be participating," the Gardaí have reminded the public that "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."
"We need everybody to work together to have a safe and fun Halloween," said Inspector Shay Keevans, who spoke to the Waterford News & Star recently warned the public that fireworks are dangerous and illegal. "Fireworks, don't buy them, ignite them or use them. Firstly, they are illegal but secondly, they are dangerous. They can cause serious injury as they are unregulated."
The Gardaí have warned people not to engage in throwing eggs or flour over Halloween, "This is vandalism and may be classed as criminal damage" they said while asking the public not to illegal fireworks and illegal bonfires can not only be extremely dangerous but cause lasting environmental damage."
An Garda Síochána run an annual operation called Operation Tombola aimed to stop the sale of fireworks. The Gardaí said they have seized 1,218 explosives under Operation Tombola, with an estimated value of €225,000.
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.”
