'Respect each other' this Halloween, say Dorset Police
Officers want to prevent it being spooky for the wrong reasons
We're being asked to 'respect each other' this Halloween, with some advice issued by Dorset Police.
They've said they want us to have fun and be safe, but remember, not everyone wants you to call at their home.
Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to avoid houses where it is not obvious they are welcome to knock and to please be considerate to more vulnerable members of the community who may become distressed at the idea of strangers knocking on their doors during the evening.
We can download a poster from the Dorset Police website and print it out to place on the front door if we'd rather not be bothered.
Retailers are also urged to be vigilant when selling products to young people, which could potentially lead to reports of anti-social behaviour, such as flour, eggs and alcohol.
There's also a plea for parents to encourage their children to keep them informed of their whereabouts during the festivities by making sure their mobile phones are charged enough to make contact and to stick together with their friends when out and about in the evening.
Tips from Dorset Police
• Children should always be accompanied by an adult when they are trick-or-treating.
• Only go to houses of people 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.
• Carry a torch and a fully charged mobile phone (if you have one).
Chief Superintendent and BCP Commander Heather Dixey, of Dorset Police, said:
“In recent years we’ve seen an increase in the number of people participating in Halloween fun.
“We’d say to anyone who’s going trick-or-treating to think about other people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, as they may get worried if strangers are continually calling at the door during the evening.
“We don’t want to discourage anyone or spoil anyone’s fun, but we’d ask people to be considerate and respect those not wishing to participate.”
Police Crime Commissioner for Dorset Police, David Sidwick, said:
“While Halloween is a time when many families and youngsters in Dorset come together to have fun, I would urge everyone to do so responsibly without inflicting harm on others.
“My message to those planning to go out on Halloween is to respect those in your neighbourhood who obviously don’t want visitors, be mindful of the vulnerable members of our community who may be adversely affected, and ensure you and your loved ones are safe when out and about by following the measures suggested by Dorset Police.
“I want to make Dorset the safest part of the country and if we are to do that, we must crack down on the sort of neighbourhood crime and nuisance that can make people’s lives a misery. If you are victim to or witness any anti-social behaviour, please report the incident. If Dorset Police don’t know about it, they can’t put a stop to it.”
Tess Cross, Education Manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“We hope everyone has a happy Halloween whether you are celebrating or not.
“Don’t forget to make sure children are safe – teach them to stay away from candles, especially if wearing fancy dress and keep matches and lighters out of their reach.”