Tips to stay safe ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night

In the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations, Wiltshire Police are encouraging young people to be safe and respect others if they are out and about in local communities trick or treating or attending firework events this coming weekend. 

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, Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) 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 the events happening across the County, 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 here’ 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 NPT. 

For Bonfire Night and the adjoining weekend, everyone should be able to enjoy fireworks safely, whether at an organised display or in their back garden. You’ll find out the law around using fireworks as well as how to stay safe, and report those using fireworks in a dangerous or threatening way here.  

For more safety advice on fireworks, please check out the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) website here. 

Prepare your pets this Bonfire Night! Check the RSPCA advice here: How To Keep Your Pets Safe During Fireworks | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk

Consider your neighbours! Think about the noise/parking/location of any events you’re attending or hosting on Bonfire Night. 

Most importantly, have a safe and enjoyable time.