TRICK or treat fun took an unsavoury turn in Bovingdon last week, as nusiance youths preyed on the village.

Elderly residents had their houses bombarded with eggs, oranges, flour and paint on Wednesday, October 31.

On one occasion, a youth even knocked on somebody's door armed with a baseball bat.

Last month, police issued an appeal to parents and shopkeepers throughout the county to ensure children were not allowed out with eggs and flour on Halloween night.

But, despite extra officers and special constables being made avaiable to deal with trick or treat incidents, a police spokesman acknowledged demands on police exceeded all expectations.

At a meeting of Bovingdon Parish Council on Monday, the police presence in the village at Halloween came in for criticism.

Mrs Sylvia McClelland, chairman of the council, said: "The police knew it was Halloween and there is no substitute for the bobby on the beat rather than the odd police car that has the odd look around.

"We should write to the chief constable, asking that on such an occasion, we do have a foot patrol in the high street."

Councillor Betty Attard agreed. She said: "An 84-year-old lady had her windows bombarded. This is just not funny.

"It is not on for an 84-year-old lady to get up to get scrambled egg off her window. We should write a strong letter, a very strong letter."

Hemel Hempstead Community Inspector Mick Fogarty said: "The people involved seem unaware they could be liable to arrest in the event of damage to property and could be dealt with under the harrasment and public nuisance legislation.

"These individuals are using Halloween as an excuse for causing a significant nuisance. They are terrorising elderly and vulnerable members of the public in their own homes and seriously affecting the quality of life of local people.

"Quite often, they do not realise how upsetting it is for many people to have total strangers knocking at their door, demanding to be given something.

"It is one thing for small children in fancy dress calling on neighbours in organised groups with an accompanying adult, but older children who in some cases are as tall - if not taller - than the householder, can appear very threatening.

"I would ask for any victims or witnesses to Halloween 'tricks' to contact me directly on 01442 271070 so we can build a full picture of last Wednesday's events."

He added: "I would also like parents to think back to Halloween and ask themselves where their children were. Parents have to think about the effect their children may be having on their community."

Anybody with information about the vandalism can contact Cromestoppers on 0800 555111.

November 7, 2001 12:32

Richard Evans