Even though the spectacle that is Halloween is still a month away, the shops are filled with fake blood, pumpkins and zombie masks. Whilst many suggest the commercialism of Halloween is the problem, in Croydon the real problem is very different. Whilst crime, particularly in the younger generations, is a well-known problem, Halloween crime is not as well known and many inhabitants of Croydon found themselves off-guard last Halloween. Renee Hellens,  of South Croydon said, “last year, about three houses in my area were egged or vandalised on Halloween by teenagers and it dampens the happy spirit Halloween brings.”

 

With an increasingly ageing population, it appears the elderly are likely to be most at risk due to their inability to act against the vandals, and the fact is that Croydon is heavily populated by the 65 plus age group. 12.2 % of Croydon’s 363,400 population are 65 or older, from 2011 census data. This means a big proportion of our  neighbours are more vulnerable.

 

 Although many people celebrate the occasion peacefully and appropriately with fancy dress and trick or treating, there are a few who do not. Halloween can bring people who egg houses and spray silly string and shaving cream on houses- nicknamed as “tee-peeing”. All this causes great inconvenience to home owners with houses covered in egg yolk and toilet roll.

 

Hopefully, this Halloween will see less vandalism and more joyful celebrations but remember to be aware of potential Halloween hooligans. Hopefully, we can all  enjoy the occasion!