22
Oct
2013
By Calvin at 13:19 GMT, 12 years ago
I won’t be having a party this year at my house, because I’m going on holiday soon and won’t have the time or energy to decorate the house and neither will I be out knocking on doors!
However, thousands of children will be so I thought it timely to republish this useful press release from West Mercia and Warwickshire Police......
Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police have launched a leaflet and poster campaign urging people to have a safe and fun Halloween.
The campaign – which is being run in support of the Association of Chief Police Officers ‘In Focus’ anti-social behaviour (ASB) initiative that runs from 28 October until 1 November – will be aiming to deter unwelcome callers ‘trick or treating’ in the run up to and during Halloween.
And posters have also been produced with advice aimed at youngsters so that if they do want to go out trick or treating they do so in safety and avoid causing stress to householders.
Both police forces are committed to tackling anti social behaviour and recognise that while Halloween can be fun for some it is dreaded by other people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable who may live alone and can be intimidated by unexpected knocks on their door or loud noises outside.
Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Warwickshire and West Mercia will be handing out the new eye-catching ‘Sorry, No Trick or Treat’ leaflets for residents who do not want to be disturbed by trick or treaters. They will also be available at police stations and to download from both force websites.
They have advice on the back which helps people, especially the more vulnerable, to deal with unexpected callers at any time, including those offering sales and services.
Inspector Wayne Cooke, who is leading this year’s Halloween safety campaign, said: “You have the right to say no to trick or treaters and if you do decide to open the door, never give money as a treat.
“Don’t forget the basics: always use your door chain and don’t let anyone into your house unless you’re happy with their identity.
“Warwickshire and West Mercia are safe places to live - however some young people do get caught up in anti-social behaviour over the Halloween period.
“We would like to remind youngsters that repeatedly ringing doorbells or throwing objects at people and houses are all criminal offences which carry a punishment if caught by police.”
Offering his support for this campaign, Bill Longmore, West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “While I know many people enjoy taking part in the festivities surrounding Halloween, there will also be members of the public who would prefer not to be disturbed.
“It is important to respect their views and if homes are displaying no trick or treating signs, then politely move on.”
Inspector Cooke added that the police wanted young people to enjoy Halloween but they and their parents were urged to put safety first when out trick or treating.
“Always go trick or treating with an adult and only go to houses of people who you know.
“If you do find yourself at the house of someone unfamiliar, stay on the doorstep and do not go inside.
“Don’t let the excitement of the night cause you to forget the basics of personal safety: don’t talk to strangers and stay in well-lit areas.”
TCPW Comment: West Mercia and Warwickshire Police have usefully produced a poster to stick in your window saying 'sorry no to trick or treaters' and a leaflet with some advice for children and their parents, which can be downloaded using the links below. Although these posters and leaflets are useful for everybody, no matter where you live, your own police service might be publishing their own, so it may be worth paying a visit to their websites. The links to all the police services can be found here on this website.
Have scary but safe time - you know it makes sense!
Download poster and leaflet
The ‘Sorry No Trick or Treat’ poster can be downloaded from this link: http://www.westmercia.police.uk/assets/_files/documents/oct_13/wmp__1381495887_A5_flyer_Halloween2013.pdf
You can download ‘Have a safe Halloween – advice for children and parents’ from this link: http://www.westmercia.police.uk/assets/_files/documents/oct_13/wmp__1381495932_Halloween_2013_Poster_(Advice).pdf
