EXTRA SECURITY MEASURES are being put in place to combat potential anti-social behaviour during tonight’s Halloween celebrations.

The Minister for Justice has said that “appropriate policing measures” are being put in pace in every district to prevent the sale of illegal fireworks and underage drinking. Extra precautions are being taken within Dublin city and surrounding areas.

In the lead-up to Halloween, An Garda Síochána has engaged with locals communities – as well as Dublin Bus and vintners’ associations – to plan ways of dealing with potential anti-social incidents.

Outlining the additional security measures being taken for the celebrations, Shatter said that Gardaí had worked with schools to deliver the message that fireworks are illegal and to highlight their dangers. Managers of off-licences have also been reminded about their responsibilities and obligations, and cautioned about the sale of alcohol to minors.

In response to a parliamentary question by Deputy Thomas P Broughan concerning measures taken to curb anti-social behaviour over the period, the Justice Minister also outlined the following measures:

• Proactive policing arrangements leading up to and during Halloween
• Additional patrols carried out by uniformed and plain-clothes personnel
• Patrols by district detective and drug units, divisional crime task forces and traffic torps personnel
• Community policing and mounted bike units, supported by public order units as required
• Patrolspaying particular attention to areas where people tend to congregate and where the likelihood of both anti-social behaviour and drinking on the streets may occur

Read: Forget about the kids, where can adults go to get scared this Halloween?>