HALLOWE'EN is a time for people to dress up and enjoy themselves, but people should also be aware of safety issues and take care to be sensitive to those not involved in the fun, say the police.

In some cases Hallowe'en revellers can take things too far, which causes distress and anxiety for residents, particularly for vulnerable or elderly people living on their own.

In order for everyone to have a happy Hallowe'en, police are asking parents and guardians to accompany their children and to help plan their trick or treat routes, so that they call on family and friends or people known to them.

Trick or treaters should avoid homes where vulnerable people may be and for their own safety they should not knock on the doors of people that they do not know.

Sgt. David Anning said: 'Although youngsters are excited about trick or treat, there may be people who do not even realise it is Hallowe'en and who will not have any treats to give them.

'What is fun for children may be just the reverse for other people, who can be distressed to open their doors to be confronted by ghosts and ghouls.'      

Advice to householders who do not want to be involved in trick or treat is:

l Don't open your door if you are unsure who is there

l Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them

l If you feel threatened or vulnerable phone the police on 101 (non emergencies)

l In an emergency phone the police on 999

l If you are in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme let your co-ordinator know that you will be on your own at Hallowe'en.