Advice for Trick or Treaters this Halloween

Hampshire Constabulary is urging people who do not want to be disturbed by trick or treaters this Halloween to display a ‘No Trick or Treat’ poster at their front door.

The poster can be downloaded and printed here

Hampshire Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson said: “Every year Hampshire Constabulary’s force control room receives calls from people who have been frightened or disturbed by trick or treaters in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Tackling anti-social behaviour remains a priority for Hampshire Constabulary, and police officers will be targeting hotspot areas across the two counties during Halloween and Bonfire night to ensure that people are respecting others in their local neighbourhood.”

 Police advice to children and their parents is to be mindful that some of the more vulnerable or elderly members of the community do not wish to participate in Halloween activities and in fact may feel intimidated by groups of people calling at their doors.

Some advice for the elderly or vulnerable members of our community staying home this Halloween:

• If you do not know who is calling at your house you do not need to open the door
• Try to see who is at the door by looking through a spy hole or window before opening the door
• If you have a chain on your door – keep this in place when opening the door
• If you feel threatened in your home please contact police.

To report any incidents of anti-social behaviour call Hampshire Constabulary on 101. Only dial 999 in an emergency.

Local shops are also displaying posters, reminding shoppers that eggs or flour will not be sold to under 18s in the days leading up to Saturday, October 31, 2009.

Hampshire Constabulary has prepared some advice for children and their parents:

• If your child is going outside in a costume – make sure they are wearing reflective clothing or add reflective tape to their clothes.
• Carry a torch and consider road safety at all times.
• If your child is going out trick or treating – make sure they go out in a group preferably accompanied by an adult.
• Older children should let you know where they are going and what time they will be back.
• Children should carry a mobile phone in pockets or bags.
• Make sure your children know not to enter anyone’s house or to accept lifts from strangers.

This summer Hampshire Constabulary has seen the number of anti-social behaviour incidents drop by 17 per cent.