Derek Deedman

During the coming weeks many residents of the Horsham District will be celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night.

It is a time to remember that for many, the forthcoming festivities will bring with them uncertainty and feeling of unease. Many of the District’s more vulnerable members of the community will not share the happy times of trick or treats, or, of watching fireworks at the local park.

People may be concerned regarding strangers knocking on doors in the darkness, dressed in costumes and the protracted use of fireworks, worrying some pets and people alike.   Agencies across the Horsham area will help to reassure these members of the community and hopefully make this time of a year, a time for them to enjoy safely.

Sussex Police will be ensuring that the Neighbourhood Specialist Teams are working with residents across the towns and villages to provide them with guidance and assistance to help them feel safe and secure in their own homes. We will be reinforcing our message that trick and treat can be fun, if organised properly, but where residents have clearly indicated that they do not wish to take part in this activity, that should be respected.

We have made plans to ensure that officers will be on duty at key times, both during half term and Halloween and Bonfire Night. People can be assured that reports of disorderly behaviour will be investigated and positive action taken to identify those responsible and deal with them appropriately.

To support the Police in their efforts, all community partners are asked to help ensure key messages are passed to local traders across the District. These messages include taking sensible steps to prevent some of the disorder that can occur at this time of year.

Retailers can train and educate staff to think about the type of customer who may be purchasing eggs and flour, to possibly throw at houses, or purchasing quantities of fireworks that are obviously not for an organised display. This kind of ”responsible retailing” can help everyone have an enjoyable and safe Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Most importantly we all need to encourage communities to come together, to support and look out for those that may need a little extra help to make them feel safe at home. Together, we can make a difference to the feeling of security that everyone is entitled to in Horsham District.