FERMANAGH'S new PSNI Area Commander is appealing for parents, youths and community leaders to assist in making this year's Halloween celebrations safe and fun.

Festivities can be enjoyed by everyone, but for some individuals ‘trick or treating’, bonfires, fireworks and sparklers may result in a rather nasty surprise, as Chief Inspector Joe McMinn acknowledges.

“The weeks prior to and after Halloween are becoming an increasingly busy time of the year for the Police Service.  We continually receive reports of criminal damage and youths causing annoyance to vulnerable people within the area.  We want to make it clear that anyone caught breaking the law will be dealt with robustly.

“I would ask parents to make sure they know the whereabouts of their children and to make sure that they are not engaging in any criminal activity or criminal damage to property.” Individuals are also being urged to pay close attention to their own personal safety, if they intend to be in the vicinity of fireworks, sparklers or bonfires.  Fireworks contain explosive, flammable substances, which can cause serious injury to an individual or damage to property.  Children using sparklers should also be closely supervised.  Chief Inspector McMinn explains the measures that are being taken to ensure incidents of criminal damage don’t escalate during the Halloween period: “High visibility patrols will be operating in hotspot areas to prevent crimes occurring.  What might seem like a prank to some young people may actually amount to carrying out an assault or causing criminal damage.  Those involved in this type of behaviour will have to face the consequences. We hope that with the support of parents, schools and local community groups we can work to help make Halloween safe and enjoyable.” The safety advice below can help make Halloween a safe, enjoyable time for everyone.

FIREWORKS AND SPARKLERS * Fireworks require a licence - except indoor fireworks and sparklers.

* It is illegal to possess, purchase, sell, handle or use fireworks except under licence.

* Only adults should light or handle fireworks.

* Never ever go back to a firework once lit - even if it does not go off.

* When watching fireworks, stand well back.

* It is an offence to throw fireworks in the street or other public places.

* Always supervise children around fireworks.

* Never give sparklers to children under the age of five.

* Light sparklers one at time and always wear gloves.

* Keep a bucket of water close by and put sparklers in it when they go out.

* You can be fined up to £5,000 for breaking the law in relation to fireworks.

Police recommend that fireworks should be purchased from reputable licensed dealers, not from market stalls or individuals selling door-to-door. If you have information about illegal fireworks sales contact your local police station. These fireworks may not be British Standard approved and could be extremely dangerous.

The message is simple - enjoy Halloween, but be sensible and don’t break the law.