Is it illegal to dress up as a police officer on Halloween and can I be fined?
You may end up in trouble if you dress as an officer
YOU could cop a load of trouble this Halloween if you dress up as a police officer.
The fancy dress outfit is out of bounds due to a specific set of rules.
It could result in you being on the other end of the long arm of the law – and even behind bars.
So it’s important to avoid this costume and instead get into the read ‘spirit’ of the occasion.
Police Act 1996
Police officer costumes at Halloween, or any time of year, are a no-go according to the Police Act 1996.
Impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence in the UK.
If you break this rule then you can be hit with a six-month prison sentence as well as an unlimited fine.
If you didn’t know about the rules then you could still be fined up to £1,000.
Even if you are just carrying an item of police clothing you could be set back as much as £200.
Costumes to avoid
Despite police costumes landing you in trouble with the law, there are several others that you need to avoid due to being offensive.
It is against the law to dress in a costume which can be deemed racist, transphobic or offensive.
Halloween laws
There are several other laws that could come into place during Halloween in particular as well as throughout the year.
It is not illegal to go trick or treating in the UK but those going should be sensible and with a responsible adult if under 16.
Excessive noise or intimidating the public could see you slapped with an anti-social behaviour order.
Also, if someone’s property is damaged as a result of trick or treaters, the owner has the right to make a claim for damages against the individuals or their parents if they are a minor.
Stephen Rimmer and Co solicitors said: “Trick or Treat is usually fairly benign, but if a householder feels intimidated by the behaviour of older Halloween pranksters, or if that spooky party next door is going on into the small hours, then the police do have the authority to deal with it as they would with any other kind of anti-social behaviour.
“Remember that not everyone gets into the spirit of Halloween, and if a householder refuses to open the door or asks Trick or Treaters to leave their property, they have that right.”
How to save on Halloween
CUT-OUTS WON’T KEEP: Once carved, pumpkins last just three to five days before they start to rot. So wait until a day or two before Halloween to carve yours, to ensure you won’t have to buy a replacement.
CHILLING CARVINGS: Carve your pumpkin right first time. Download free templates from Hobbycraft to help ensure no slip-ups.
DEVILISHY CHEAP DECORATIONS: Create spooky spider webs using old string or rope.
PAY LESS FOR FACE PAINTS: Cut costs by using your old eyeliners and eyeshadows, and dab on some talc when you need a ghostly white shade.
CUT-PRICE CANDY: Before you buy sweets to give out as treats, clear out your cupboards and see what you have. If you need more, shop bulk deals and compare the price per kilo before you buy.
PETRIFYING POT LUCK: Ask your guests to each bring a delicious themed dish to your party to keep hosting costs down.
SPINE-CHILLING TUNES: Turn to YouTube for a frighteningly good free playlist. There are dozens of channels with hour-long music mixes.
HOLD A SPOOKY SWISH: Swishing — or clothes-swapping with friends — is an easy way to get a new wardrobe. Hold a spooky swish before Halloween to trade costumes for kids and adults.
FRIGHTENING FREEBIES: Sign up for a free local Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages, or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas.
BLOODY GOOD DEAL: Don’t fork out for expensive fake blood. Make your own edible version instead. You can use it for cakes and to decorate costumes.
SHOP ON NOV 1: Be organised and bag the bargains for next year by hitting the shops the day after Halloween. Remember to buy your kids’ costumes a size larger to allow for growth.