Halloween sparks increase in antisocial behaviour

FINE GAEL last night warned of an increase in antisocial behaviour in the run-up to the October Bank Holiday weekend as Halloween pranks get out of hand.

Louts are throwing crackers at petrol pumps, lobbing fireworks at moving cars and blowing up dustbins, putting the public at risk of injury and upset.

FG senator Joe McHugh said his constituents in Co Donegal were already reporting a rising tide of antisocial behaviour.

“Firecrackers and bangers could lead to young people being caught up in serious damage, injury and possible prosecution.

“Parents need to be vigilant over the coming week as otherwise law-abiding young people will find themselves getting involved in serious antisocial behaviour,” he said.

A lack of garda resources and poor funding of youth work are to blame for Halloween-time antisocial behaviour, the senator said.

Dublin civic leaders yesterday unveiled a series of official Halloween events on October 31 to reduce the €1 million cleanup bill the city council pays every year after the celebrations.

“Halloween is the busiest night for the fire brigade and emergency services while our staff deal with a large number of fires and injuries caused by bonfires and fireworks,” said Dublin Lord Mayor Councillor Vincent Jackson.

Among the council’s Halloween events will be fireworks displays in Ballymun, Finglas and Darndale.

Officials recommend families attend organised bonfires and firework shows instead of staging their own.

They also say pets should be kept indoors and the fire brigade alerted if any bonfires get too close to homes and businesses.