Police in the Alpes-Maritimes département are taking no chances this Halloween, issuing a statement with detailed information about what costumes are deemed safe.
“Have fun, be imaginative, scare people – but don't terrorize!” the police wrote. “Dangerous toy guns are forbidden.”
[#Halloween] Amusez, imaginez, épouvantez mais sans terroriser. Arme factice objets dangereux interdits #Vigipirate pic.twitter.com/X84FhCJQtf
— Police Nationale 06 (@PNationale06) October 29, 2015
Basically, the officers have said that any outfit that includes a fake firearm is unacceptable.
In case it wasn't clear enough, they send out a series of pictures containing “acceptable” and “unacceptable” costumes (we've included a selection below).
And it's no surprise they're taking the matter seriously.
In February this year, officers in Nice launched a massive manhunt after witnesses reported seeing a man cruising around town armed with a Kalashnikov.
It turned out to be a 17-year-old high school student dressed for a party as tough guy actor Mr T, known for his roles in 80s TV show The A-Team and Rocky III.
(A schoolboy dressed as “Mr T” sparked panic in Nice in February. Photo: AFP)
Halloween takes off in France
The French have only given Halloween a lukewarm reception since it was officially introduced in 1999, but a new YouGov poll suggests the festivities are taking off.
Indeed, over 30 percent of 18-44-year-olds are expected to take part in some kind of celebrations on Saturday, with around 30 percent of 25-34-year-olds considering making specific purchases for the day.
Other aspects of American culture have crept across the Atlantic recently, with Black Friday proving all the more popular, Starbucks invading the French coffee scene, and Burger King giving traditional French food a solid run for its money.
(Is there really a ghost on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower? Photo: AFP)
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