Youghal gardai are keen for parents to be particularly aware of their children’s whereabouts and intentions over the coming Halloween. Speaking on the station’s weekly CRY report, Garda Peter Queally recalled that last year was a particularly disruptive and depressing Halloween in east Cork and asked parents to understand the potential for problem, whether through peer pressure or personal intent. He also reassured that extra garda resources would be deployed throughout the region. Report: Christy Parker   Email: news@youghalonline.com

EGGS

Garda Queally also requested retailers to be alert for signs of intended disruption, such as a sudden increase young people purchasing eggs  “They are unlikely to be baking cakes!” he suggested ruefully, adding that, “throwing eggs, even against a hard surface like a wall is deemed a criminal offence of defacing property.” The garda’s concern coincides with a report that Tesco’s in Youghal and Midleton had decided, almost unbelievably, to locate their eggs near the stores’ entrances, at €1 per ½ dozen. Given the time of year, there are those who would consider the initiative more cynically opportunistic than coincidental.

FIREWORKS

The radio report also outlined firework offences related to Halloween. Possessing unlicensed (bought from unlicensed dealers) fireworks carries a fine of up to €10,000 and/or five years imprisonment. Similar penalties apply for throwing an unlicensed firework or having possession with intent to supply. Types of firework thus considered include loud Black Cats, whereas such as Sparklers are normally licensed for sale.

While it is not an offence to conduct firework display in one’s garden, it may be offensive, Garda Queally explained. He recommended that people consult with their neighbours or consider possible disruption to them, especially regarding the welfare of small children who maybe sleeping, or possibly pet animal concerns, before dispatching fireworks.

ALCOHOL

Garda Queally rounded off the Halloween agenda by submitting that Halloween partying on the beach was not illegal but the same didn’t apply to consuming alcohol there simultaneously. That in turn prompted him to remind parents to check also on their offspring’s activities during this week of school holidays. “We have a serious underage drinking problem,” he explained.

GARDA PATROLS

The spokesman then addressed an unfortunate misconception regarding garda patrols. “Recently,” he said, ‘some elderly people have called to the station seeking reassurance of Garda presence or even reporting suspicious disturbances in the vicinity of their homes late at night. Some callers mistakenly believed that, with the station closed overnight, Youghal gardai are dispersed to Midleton. “That’s not the case. In fact, we have extra resources on patrol in town because the station is unmanned,” reassured Garda Queally. “And if someone rings us, the phone will be answered in Midleton and a message relayed to us immediately.”

Garda Queally also reported that a woman declined to ring the gardai on a Saturday night because she was afraid they’d be too busy. “We are never too busy for a call. We have the resources,” he said.

CRIME

From a quiet week previous, there were two particular incidents recalled. A burglary at the Walter Raleigh resulted in a fast arrest, with the alleged culprit due to appear before Youghal’s November court sitting.

On October 17th, between 8 and 10 pm, damage was caused to property at the new St. Raphael’s building. Garda Queally said CCTV footage was quite good and several youths may be identified in due course. However, he said gardai are also eager for any information on the incident, with full confidence assured. He repeated the possible consequences arising from of arrest for such incidents. “You only get one or two chances at the Juvenile Diversion programme before court appearances ensue. A conviction there stays with your for a long time and can badly affect job and travel prospects,” he concluded. Youghal gardai can be contacted on (024) 92200.