Police call for kindness during Halloween capers

Halloween tricksters are being urged by Tavistock police and Devon County Council to have a fun spooky time on the streets, but to be kind and safe.

Retailers have been offered a police-branded poster, illustrated with cartoon eggs, to reduce flour and egg throwing pranks.

The poster states that ‘during Halloween eggs and flour will be sold at our discretion’.

It has been common at Halloween over the years for youngsters to throw eggs then flour at people, cars and properties.

This has been, increasingly, treated as anti-social behaviour by some police forces, instead as harmless fun and can be result in arrest, fines and even prosecution.

Ahead of Halloween, West Devon police are taking the more softly, softly approach with advice including offering cartoon posters for householders’ windows, either accepting prankster callers and requesting respect, or politely dissuading callers.

A West Devon police spokesman said: “Have a good time this Saturday, but just remember that not everyone celebrates Halloween and may not want people coming to their door trick or treating.

“Some people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, may get worried or even frightened if strangers are continually calling at their door during the evening. It can also disturb babies, young children and nervous dogs and cats.

“So please respect those who don’t want to take part in trick or treating, and stick to areas and people you know.

“Householders, whether they welcome trick or treaters or would rather they didn’t come knocking, can download and print posters for window that lets them know either way from our website.”

👉 https://orlo.uk/Aw0sW

The choice includes a colour ‘Sorry – no trick or treat’ poster, and a black and white printer friendly version. There’s also a colour ‘Welcome Halloween callers with children in costume’ poster, and a version of to colour in.

Retailers can also download the poster which lets people know that the sale of eggs and flour will be at their discretion.

A Devon County Council spokesman also issued advice to householders to feel secure and to ’trick or treaters’ : “Halloween can be great fun, especially for kids. And lots of us enjoy seeing local children out trick or treating in their costumes. However, for some people, it can be a worry – especially if they’re home alone and concerned about callers after dark.

“While none of us wants to spoil the fun, we also shouldn’t have to feel scared or anxious in our own homes. Here are some simple things we can all do to make sure Halloween remains good fun for everyone.”

Residents feeling insecure can put the door chain on and look out of the window or spy hole to see who's there before opening the door. Take particular care if there's more than one person on your doorstep.

Open the door only if you feel safe. If you are in any doubt or don't feel safe, do not open the front door.

If you're really worried, invite a friend or relative around and spend the evening together.

The spokesman added: “Trick or treaters should remember some older people and other members of their community might not want to be disturbed. A good rule of thumb is to look for a pumpkin outside the house – that's a sign the house is happy to receive trick or treaters.

“And don't persistently ring someone's doorbell, knock on their door or return to their house later. If they don't answer, it's best to move on.”