'Party online' this halloween, says Dorset Police

We are being urged to mark Halloween a little differently this year and plan low risk activities within out hoursehold rather than heading out.

Dorset Police are asking members of the community to respect the ‘rule of six’ both indoors and outdoors this Halloween.

To help protect our emergency services and save lives, Dorset Police are asking parents, carers and children to do find a fun alternative this year.

Inspector Matt Baxter from Dorset Police said:

“This year we are asking everyone, whatever they are doing for Halloween, to take extra care in this Tier One area. We all need to follow the rule of six, wear a face covering when appropriate, wash hands regularly and make space. We might all want to consider alternative ways to enjoy Halloween this year.

“We are encouraging young people to create online parties where they can invite as many people as they like. We also recommend those that are vulnerable and do not want uninvited guests to the door download our ‘Sorry, No Trick or Treat’ poster to display in the front door or window of their homes.

“There will be additional patrols across the county, and we ask everyone to respect each other, especially neighbours and the vulnerable who might be shielding.”

The poster can be downloaded from the Dorset Police website.

Halloween - some alternatives to trick or treating for families and young children:

• Organise a Halloween themed scavenger hunt around your house or garden.

• Arrange a virtual fancy dress party online and invite your friends and family.

• Out-boo your neighbours and have a window decorating competition.

• Get creative in the kitchen. Go online to find the recipes for spooky snacks.

• Decorate your living room and create your own scary cinema.

• Play Halloween inspired games with your friends and family. Try Dorset Council’s colouring craft activity

Five eerie ideas for older children and adults

Virtual fancy dress party. Arrange a party online and invite your friends and family. Nominate a DJ to put together some terrifying tunes or put together a Halloween play list and see who has the scariest moves.

Out-boo your neighbours with a wicked window decorating competition. Invite your neighbours, friends or family to see who can create the spookiest window

Virtual horror quiz. Ask everyone to write ten questions each and read out in their spookiest voice. Turn off the lights and use a torch to set the scene. Throw in a music round of guess the horror movie theme tune. Extra points for the best

fancy dress!

Create your own scary cinema. Decorate your living room, dig out some truly terrifying classics and enjoy a scary movie marathon.

Make some spooky snacks. How about hot dog ‘fingers’ with tomato sauce, or creepy cakes with sweets such as ‘eyes’, ‘worms’ and ‘teeth’ for decorations.