Lancashire Police are taking action to ensure that Hallowe’en is an enjoyable time – both for those who celebrate the spooky spectacular and those who choose not to.
They are offering safety advice to those out trick or treating and reassurance to residents who want a quiet evening — offering posters to display in windows (PDF) for those who do not want spooky callers.
Commenting on the move, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Debby Carter said: “Hallowe’en is renowned for the trick or treat tradition and whilst we don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun, we want everyone to be safe and feel safe.
“From speaking to members of our local communities, we know that some of our more vulnerable and elderly members of the community feel a little apprehensive at this time of year so as we approach the Halloween and Bonfire period, increased highly visible police patrols will be on duty to deal with any incidents of anti social behaviour.
“We will also be making posters available to those who would rather not have a visit from trick or treaters and we would ask revelers to politely abide by them.”
For those who do want to celebrate, officers are offering the following advice:
- Always go trick or treating with an adult
- Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents
- Don’t knock on doors where there is a ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign
- Stay in areas that are well lit with street lights – take a torch with you just in case
- Stay with your friends – don’t split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you
- Don’t talk to strangers on the street
- Don’t enter any house – stay on the doorstep
- Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly
- Be visible
- Look carefully before crossing the road, even if you’re part of a group
- Behave responsibly
“Hopefully this positive police action will help to reassure local residents that we are taking action to address their concerns,” Inspector Carter added, “and working hard to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy Hallowe’en.”
• No Trick or Treat posters are available from Police stations in Accrington and Darwen and from next Monday residents should be able to collect posters from public enquiry desks at police stations in Garstang, Lancaster, Morecambe, Poulton, Thornton, Cleveleys and Fleetwood. They will also be available from the Customer Service Centres at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls.
• The poster can also be downloaded from the Lancashire Police website here. (PDF)
• Officers in Fleetwood are conducting talks to local youth groups on Halloween safety. Amongst the groups being visited are: Tommy’s gym; the after school club at St Nicholas church and west view community centre dream scheme and community change groups.