PEOPLE are being urged to respect those who do not wish to get involved in Halloween celebrations.
Avon & Somerset Police said the event can be “scary for people who are elderly, vulnerable or live alone”.
“This can mean they are at a higher risk of becoming victims of crime if they feel isolated or alone,” a spokesperson added.
“If you are celebrating Halloween this year, we hope you have a spook-tacular time, but stay safe. Please be mindful and respectful that not everyone in our community will be taking part.”
Officers have also provided posters people can display in their homes to inform people they do not wish to be included in Halloween celebrations – including trick or treating.
People can download the posters to display in their homes this Halloween. Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police
They issued a series of tips for people to help ensure neighbours feel safe:
Start by just saying ‘hello’
Ask if they would like you to check if they are ok on Halloween with either a visit or a call
Ask if they would like you to download and print on of our ‘sorry, no trick or treaters here’ posters below so they can display it in their window
Let neighbours know if you’re planning a party, so they won’t be alarmed
Remind children to respect others’ property and not to call on homes that have the ‘sorry, no trick or treaters here’ poster
Parents have also been offered advice when talking to their children about safety for trick or treaters, including:
Always go trick or treating with an adult
Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents
Don’t knock on doors where there is a sign saying ‘no trick or treat here’
Stay in areas that are lit with streetlights and take a torch with you just in case
Stay with your friends – don’t split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you
Throwing eggs and flour at houses causes criminal damage. You could be arrested
Don’t talk to strangers on the street and never enter any house, just stay on the doorstep
Although Halloween is supposed to be spooky, be considerate to those who don’t take part and be careful not frighten vulnerable people
Remember road safety, always look carefully before crossing the road and be visible
Shopkeepers are also being advised not to sell eggs or flour to young people and reminded that selling fireworks to under-18s is an offence.
To help people convey they do not wish to be part of Halloween celebrations, Avon & Somerset Police has created two posters people can download, print out, and display in their homes.
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