Sorry - No Trick Or Treat This Halloween

Devon and Cornwall Police are taking steps to ensure that Halloween is a happy and safe time for everyone, whether young or old. 

If you are going trick or treating this Halloween have A SPOOKTASTIC time and be safe but remember not everyone wants you to call at their home. The 'Sorry... no trick or treat this Halloween' campaign encourages residents who do not want to be bothered by trick-or-treaters to place the poster on the front door or window of their home. 

You can download the poster from www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/halloween 

The poster campaign has been a success in the past few years and potential trick-or-treaters are being asked to consider that they are some people, particularly the elderly or disabled, who get worried if strangers call at their door during the evening. 

http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/CrimePrevention/SeasonalCampaigns/Documents/NoTrickNoTtreatHalloween.pdf 

While not directly associated with Halloween night from October 2011 compared to October 2010 in North Devon and 36% reduction in ASB calls were logged. 

From January to August 2012 compared with the same period last year for North Devon and Torridge area, police logged 656 fewer incidents of ASB, a reduction of almost 20%. 

You may be dressing up as a spooky ghost, a wicked witch or a big orange pumpkin but remember to make sure it is a fun night by staying safe. 

There are six top tips for young people at Halloween: 

  • Always be accompanied by an adult when you are trick-or-treating. 
  • You should only go to houses of people that you know and who are happy for you to call. Stay safe, keep to places that you know and are well lit. 
  • Do not take short cuts through gardens, alleyways or parks. 
  • Watch out for traffic - drivers might not see you. If you are wearing a mask make sure that you can see where you are going and are aware of your surroundings. 
  • Carry a torch and a fully charged mobile phone (if you have one).