Warning issued over wearing popular Halloween costume this year | UK | News

It’s no secret that Brits love Halloween, and many people are probably trying to figure out which Halloween costume to wear for this year’s spooky celebrations. After all, it’s one of the best seasons of the year.

YouGov Surveys show 37 per cent of adults aged 18 to 24 plan to dress up for the festival this year, with their spending likely to exceed £100.

With each Halloween costume option outshining the last, it’s no wonder people are spoiled for choice this year. But those considering which team will be playing sports on October 31 need to stay away from one particular regulation that could get them in big trouble.

legal experts Free Grants for Criminals They tick off one Halloween costume that’s definitely no joke: dressing up as a police officer. This seemingly harmless behavior can lead to criminal charges and hefty fines.

Under UK law, it is a criminal offense to impersonate a police officer, or even wear a police uniform or attire in situations that are “likely to deceive”. Courts can impose unlimited fines and up to six months’ imprisonment, and police tend to take “fake police” reports extremely seriously, especially in busy night scenes.

So if your Halloween outfit this year convincingly mimics the real thing — like checkerboard hats, high-vis vests marked “POLICE,” rank slides, utility belts, fake radios or body cameras — you may be spoofing you or wearing a deceptive uniform. And you may want to think twice.

Legal experts say the risk goes far beyond a night behind bars. A conviction may be recorded, appear in criminal record databases, and potentially turn up during background checks for certain employment opportunities.

They warn: “Halloween is supposed to be fun, but if your costume could reasonably lead a passerby to think you’re a police officer – or if you start giving orders, stopping people or using that look – you risk an unlimited fine, possible jail time and a stain on your record that could affect future employment.”

Experts also created a security guide and warned of what could happen if someone thought they were impersonating a police officer on or around Halloween.

Side effects may include:

Immediate police intervention or arrest while identity and intent are verified.

Confiscation of costumes/props and possible charges under the Police Act 1996.

Court penalties: up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine for impersonation; Related charges (e.g. obstructing police) can pile up.

Long-term consequences: a criminal record affecting licensing and DBS checks for sensitive roles.

More guidance for Halloween costumes:

• Let it be clearly fictional: detectives without insignia, movie characters without real-world badges.
• Avoid clothing marked “POLICE”, checkerboard hatbands, rank slides or realistic body-worn equipment.
• Don’t act like an authority figure, stop people, or try to enter places “like the police” just to make a joke.
• If you’re not sure, choose a different costume; There are countless alternatives that won’t land you in court or face a significant fine.