Tricky Times at Halloween
Residents in Parson Cross, Foxhill and Herries can expect fewer tricks this year thanks to a new initiative by Sheffield Homes and local traders.
The Trick or Treat initiative, which aims to reduce the number of ‘tricks’ on residents’ properties on Halloween, was so successful in Parson Cross last year that it is being rolled out to surrounding areas.
The Neighbourhood Action Team at Sheffield Homes is working with local shopkeepers to remove temptation for younger residents to buy ‘messy’ goods to use as ‘tricks’ on homes and cars. The team asked shops to keep things like eggs and flour under the counter for a few days, so they can control for what purpose they are being bought.
Dawn Wragg, Senior Housing Officer at Sheffield Homes said:
“Over the last few years the number of complaints we received about this type of anti-social behaviour at Halloween has increased. As a deterrent for younger people thinking about carrying out trick or treat stunts, we decided to ask local shops to consider keeping eggs, flour and whipping cream behind shop counters in the run up to Halloween. Last year the number of complaints dropped in Parson Cross so we are hoping for the same results again this year.”
Traders have welcomed the idea and are also encouraging staff to be extra vigilant when selling certain products around Halloween.