Plea to respect those not taking part in Halloween in Wiltshire
Parents urged to remind children Halloween isn't celebrated by everyone
While many people will be looking forward to 'trick or treating' others may be giving it a miss because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic whilst for elderly and vulnerable residents it can be a distressing or frightening time.
Superintendent Liz Coles from Wiltshire Police has this plea
“It doesn’t matter if it is Halloween or any other day there is no excuse for making people feel scared or frightened, or damaging other people’s property."
“If you are out ‘trick or treating’ this Halloween please consider carefully which doors you knock on."
“As with previous years those happy to take part usually decorate their homes, and if the lights are off or there is a ‘no thanks’ posters up, please be respectful."
Superintendent Coles added:
“Parents and carers have an important role to play to help keep children and young people safe during the Halloween period. Please have conversations with your children to help them understand that Halloween is not celebrated by everyone, whilst encouraging them to act responsibly."
EXTRA PATROLS
Community Policing Teams across the County will be carrying out additional patrols targeting those involved in anti-social behaviour.
Earlier this week Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith wrote an open letter to business owners and shops across the county urging them to be vigilant when it comes to children and teenager buying eggs and flour.
TOP TIPS TO ENJOY HALLOWEEN
• Children should always be accompanied by an adult when 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
• If you're 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).
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL NERVOUS OR UNSAFE
• Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spy-hole, look out of a window and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door
• Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them
• If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Halloween. If you are a coordinator, please identify people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.
POSTER TO DETER TRICK OR TREATERS
If you don’t want trick or treaters at your door this Halloween, ‘No trick or treat’ posters are available for you to download and display. The poster can be displayed in your home, or homes of any neighbours or relatives. It should be displayed in a prominent position either on the front door or front window.
You can download the poster from the Wiltshire Police website at www.wiltshire.police.uk.