Louth Gardaí to step up patrols in Blackrock Park ahead of Halloween after firework concerns
Gardaí have highlighted reports of children as young as 11 setting off fireworks
Gardaí in Louth have announced increased patrols in Blackrock Park in the run-up to Halloween following growing concerns about anti-social behaviour and the use of fireworks by young people.
On Tuesday morning, Garda Patterson from the Louth North Community Policing Unit met with community representatives and local councillor Maeve Yore in Blackrock Park to discuss policing plans for the area. The meeting followed a series of previous collaborations between An Garda Síochána and local stakeholders aimed at tackling issues in the park.
Gardaí have highlighted reports of unsupervised teenagers and children as young as 11 –setting off fireworks in the park. They stressed that not only is the use and construction of fireworks illegal, but it is also extremely dangerous in the hands of untrained young people.
In response, Gardaí confirmed that patrols will be stepped up in local hotspots, including Blackrock Park, as Halloween approaches. Parents are being urged to take responsibility for their children’s whereabouts and ensure they are not engaging in illegal or unsafe behaviour.
“Parents, your children are your responsibility,” Gardaí warned.
“So please ensure that you know where they are and be sure that they are not involved in the illegal use of fireworks! We're sure you'd rather have trick or treaters and not us calling to your homes on Halloween night.”