With Halloween fast approaching, Dorset Police is reminding the public to enjoy the festivities safely but to ensure they respect others.
Enhanced patrols will be carried out by officers on Halloween evening, Thursday 31 October, as well as the weekend before and after.
Chief Superintendent Jane Newall said: “We appreciate that people want to go out and enjoy the Halloween festivities and go trick or treating, but it is important to respect the views of others who do not want to participate. If homes are displaying ‘No trick or treating’ signs, then please politely move on.
“Anti-social behaviour continues to reduce in Dorset and during this time we will have extra patrols in communities to ensure that we continue to take appropriate action against anyone found to be committing crime or anti-social behaviour.”
Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Dorset have been handing out Halloween posters encouraging the public to ‘Have fun on Halloween but please have respect for others’.
A notice has also been made available to residents for them to display during Halloween asking trick or treaters not to call at that property.
A further poster has been created for shops to display informing customers that they will not be selling eggs, flour or fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
All of these materials are available to view and download on the Dorset Police website at www.dorset.police.uk.
Trick or treating safety advice:
- Trick or treaters should always have adult supervision
- Only call on friends, family or neighbours – and ideally this should be arranged in advance
- Respect the rights of those who do not want to take part
- Do not accept money and be grateful for any treats
- Do not play tricks on people – these can be frightening and could even be a criminal offence
- Criminal damage – which includes vandalism and throwing objects like eggs and flour – can result in a fine or even a prison sentence
