Trick or Treat - Keep Safe, Be Responsible, Have Fun

Police are asking "Trick or Treaters", planning high jinks in the run up to Hallow'een on October 31, to have a good time but also to remember to be safe, be sensible and be responsible.

Chief Inspector Mike Slater, head of the Crime Prevention Unit said: "Halloween, or Trick or Treat Night is increasingly becoming a night of pranks and fun for young people. But with the dark nights and high spirits it is also a night when extra care and a responsible attitude needs to be taken."

And he advised parents and guardians of young people to make sure they discuss the stranger danger message, the need to respect householders and to be careful not to cause stress and worry to vulnerable householders.

• Young children should be supervised while out and about by a parent or another adult who is known to them.
• Make sure children are wearing light coloured clothing, or that their hallow'een costumes have reflective strips on them so they can be seen by motorists in the dark. (special reflective paint is available which can be used to paint designs on darker clothing)
• Carry a torch
• Parents and guardians should know where their children are going for the evening, who they are going with and what time they will be back. If they have a mobile phone with them make sure parents know the number and the phone is switched on and fully charged.
• Tricksters should stay in an area they are familiar with - close to home.
• Remember Trick or Treat is relatively new in this country and some householders do not want to take part. If people turn you away accept their decision politely.
• Elderly or vulnerable people may be frightened by strangers ringing their doorbell at night. Consider who lives in the house before you knock or ring the bell.
• If there is no answer walk away.
• "Tricks" can cause offence and lead to possible conflict, do not let things get out of hand and never throw anything at houses where people do not want to take part.
• Never throw fireworks.
• Never go inside the house of a stranger - always wait outside while they go and fetch your "treats" to the door.
• Keep your treats safe until you get home, where you can examine them to make sure they are safe to eat.
• Make sure you walk on the pavement, never walk in the road at nightime.

Advice for householders

• If you do not want to take part in Trick or Treat activities lock the door and turn your hallway light off.
• Leave a polite notice on the door or in the front window asking Trick or Treaters not to knock / ring. Click this link to download a copy of our Sorry, No Trick or Treat this Halloween poster for you to print out and place in your window.
• Never give money to Trick or Treaters, have a selection of sweets, biscuits or fruit available for them.
• As with any other strangers calling at your door, put the chain on before opening the door and do not take it off until you are happy you know who is outside.