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LesG65 and tracey70.  The fire incident I refer to was headlined on the Midlands TV news.  It was mentioned that they did not know if it was linked to Halloween, but being within a day or two of that celebration, it would be natural to consider the possiblity; in the same way that an incident around November 5 would carry Guy Fawkes connotations.

The tragedy is that hooligans do use various celebrations as a spring-board to commit crimes, and the police have to consider the possible scenarios.  Football matches should be trouble-free, but police forces have to provide a heavy presence to deal with all too probable trouble.  Their work is difficult, even with the masses generally being contained in one place.  The roaming nature of trick-or-treat activities (as with fireworks) is an impossible task to monitor.

I agree with your views that such anti-social behaviour can occur at any time of the year. But it is necessary to see it in the logic of those responsible for controlling public order.  Take trick-or-treat as an example.  Hooligans would not try this on at any other time, because they would be spotted and the police called immediately. They know this, so trick or treat becomes a cover for their vandalism.

I am not saying that Halloween celebrations should be banned entirely.  What I do say is that, if there is no other way to control bad behaviour, then the "cold-calling" trick-or-treat aspect should be prohibited.  In a civilised society, personal safety of the public is the priority.

Come on, charities are legally required to have formal authorisation to carry donation boxes, and are not allowed to rebuke anyone declining to give.  Surely you are not seriously suggesting that trick-or-treat begging should be above the law?  And it must be remembered that trick-or-treat is not restricted to the activities of small children. People as old as late teens into early adulthood also take part, and this is probably where the troubles start.

All I am saying is, by all means enjoy the celebrations, but let's have the "cold-calling" by strangers, at the doors of strangers, made illegal.  To dispute this is tantamount to demanding that you enjoy your activities on your own terms, and to Hell with the thought or respect for others. And I would hope that you, in all honesty, would reject that view.

Bertie.

Sorry bertie but I fail to see the link between your last reply & the question at the start of tis thread.

BB

Post last edited on 05/11/2008 16:54:44

I see what you mean, BB, but why pick me out.  Most of us have expanded the original question to a wider issue, but that's the way with forums, isn't it?   When people discuss any subject in person (at the pub for example), the conversation shoots off in different directions.  I think it is more obvious on a forum,when you can actually look back at how the subject has digressed.

Bertie.