Top tips to stay safe ahead of Halloween

In the run up to Halloween (31/10), we are encouraging young people to be safe and respect others if they are out and about in local communities trick or treating. 

Parents and carers have an important role to play to help keep children and young people safe and encourage them to act responsibly while taking part in trick or treating activities. 

If you or someone you know is ‘trick or treating’ this Halloween, follow these six simple top tips: 

• Always be accompanied by a trusted adult when you are 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).

During the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, Community Policing Teams (CPTs) across the force area will be undertaking high visibility patrols to help prevent anti-social behaviour. 

Jenn Holton, the Neighbourhood Harm Reduction Unit lead, said: "Trick or treaters should take care and think carefully about which doors they knock on, particularly if there are elderly people or people living on their own in their area.

“The most important message is that we want people to enjoy Halloween and, in particular the children and young people, by keeping themselves safe and making sure they do not cause any problems in their communities.” 

If at any point you do feel nervous or unsafe:

• Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spyhole, look out of a window and use your door chain (if you have one available) if you do decide to open your door;
• Have a contact number of a close relative, friend or good neighbour by your home telephone, or stored in your mobile phone, just in case you need to get in touch with them;
• If you are part of a local Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you could 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. 

Wiltshire Police ‘No trick or treat’ posters are available for display if you don’t want trick or treaters at your door this Halloween.

There are different styles to choose from and 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 posters from the Wiltshire Police website at https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/police-forces/wiltshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/halloween/ or via contacting your local CPT.