Police are urging 'trick or treaters' not to make life frightful for other members of the community on Halloween.
And Nottinghamshire Police is asking those who do not want trick or treaters knocking on their door to download, print off and display a specially-designed poster explaining this.
Residents subjected to antisocial behaviour on 31 October are also being asked to help prevent the police Control Rooms from becoming overloaded by only calling 999 for genuine emergencies.
"It's all about making sure everyone is safe and happy on Halloween," said Chief Inspector Ted Antill, who works in the control room.
"We have guidance for people's children to follow if they go out trick or treating and while much of it may sound like common sense, it's better to follow it and be safe.
"It's also important for young people to respect the wishes of those who do not want to be disturbed.
"They should be aware that callers at the door after dark can be intimidating for some elderly residents, and annoying for those with young families."
Ch Insp Antill also wanted to reinforce the message about calls to the police on the night.
"We can experience an increase in 999 calls of up to 25 per cent at Halloween so would urge people to call 0300 300 9999 unless life is at risk or a crime is in progress," he said.
"Those extra 999 calls can lead to delays in reaching those who urgently need help, so use the 0300 number if appropriate or if you can wait till a less busy time, then please do so."
The 'No trick or treat' poster can be downloaded by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/a9aVPx.
Anyone planning on celebrating Halloween by 'trick or treating' should follow these simple rules:
· Children should always go trick or treating with an adult. · Keep to areas that are well lit with streetlights, or alternatively take a torch. · Stay with friends -- don't split into smaller groups unless accompanied by an adult. · Choose a costume which does not restrict a child's movement or sight. · Consider using face paint as masks can limit a child's vision, which could pose a danger when crossing roads. · Reiterate the importance of good behaviour to children to avoid being a nuisance to residents. · Don't knock on doors where there is a 'No trick or treat' sign. · Don't enter any house -- stay on the doorstep. · Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly. · Never throw items like eggs and flour - this is not a trick and can cause significant damage and misery. It can also be classed as criminal damage or even assault, and a night of 'fun' could result in a visit from the police.
And Nottinghamshire Police is asking those who do not want trick or treaters knocking on their door to download, print off and display a specially-designed poster explaining this.
Residents subjected to antisocial behaviour on 31 October are also being asked to help prevent the police Control Rooms from becoming overloaded by only calling 999 for genuine emergencies.
"It's all about making sure everyone is safe and happy on Halloween," said Chief Inspector Ted Antill, who works in the control room.
"We have guidance for people's children to follow if they go out trick or treating and while much of it may sound like common sense, it's better to follow it and be safe.
"It's also important for young people to respect the wishes of those who do not want to be disturbed.
"They should be aware that callers at the door after dark can be intimidating for some elderly residents, and annoying for those with young families."
Ch Insp Antill also wanted to reinforce the message about calls to the police on the night.
"We can experience an increase in 999 calls of up to 25 per cent at Halloween so would urge people to call 0300 300 9999 unless life is at risk or a crime is in progress," he said.
"Those extra 999 calls can lead to delays in reaching those who urgently need help, so use the 0300 number if appropriate or if you can wait till a less busy time, then please do so."
The 'No trick or treat' poster can be downloaded by clicking on this link http://bit.ly/a9aVPx.
Anyone planning on celebrating Halloween by 'trick or treating' should follow these simple rules:
· Children should always go trick or treating with an adult.
· Keep to areas that are well lit with streetlights, or alternatively take a torch.
· Stay with friends -- don't split into smaller groups unless accompanied by an adult.
· Choose a costume which does not restrict a child's movement or sight.
· Consider using face paint as masks can limit a child's vision, which could pose a danger when crossing roads.
· Reiterate the importance of good behaviour to children to avoid being a nuisance to residents.
· Don't knock on doors where there is a 'No trick or treat' sign.
· Don't enter any house -- stay on the doorstep.
· Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly.
· Never throw items like eggs and flour - this is not a trick and can cause significant damage and misery. It can also be classed as criminal damage or even assault, and a night of 'fun' could result in a visit from the police.
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