Respect each other this Halloween

Let trick-or-treaters know if they're welcome or not at your home this Halloween.

It's that time of the year again when children dress up as ghosts and ghouls and visit friends, family and neighbours who are happy to hand over sweets.

However, seasonal high spirits can sometimes cross the line and leave some members of our communities – often elderly and vulnerable people – feeling distressed and intimidated.

Our message is simple – please respect the wishes of others.

And to help, Halloween posters are available to download from Norfolk Constabulary's website for people to display in their homes.

Chief Superintendent Dave Marshall said: "Halloween can be a fun event in our communities for people of all ages but it's important to remember that not everyone enjoys this annual occasion.

"I'd appeal to everyone to be responsible this Halloween and look out for each other. So, if you're planning to go out trick and treating visit only those people who are happy to take part, and please respect the wishes of those who do not want to be involved. I'd also ask the wider public to play their part and be a little more tolerant of Halloween revellers

"We want everybody to enjoy this annual occasion and don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but it is important that everybody understands the consequences of irresponsible behaviour for themselves and others. We'll have extra patrols on duty and officers will be on the lookout for unsafe or irresponsible behaviour. This includes throwing eggs at people or their properties and setting off fireworks in public places.”

Norfolk Police are also reminding people that any damage caused by throwing eggs will be treated as criminal damage, and those caught throwing eggs may be prosecuted. They face a criminal record if found guilty.

Retailers are also being encouraged to restrict the sale of eggs and flour to young people in the run up to Halloween, and reminded that it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 and to sell fireworks that fly erratically including mini rockets and bangers.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Chairman of Communities Committee at Norfolk County Council said: "For many, Halloween is a fun time of the year so we want to make sure those people are able to celebrate safely in Norfolk. Our Trading Standards teams do testing to ensure products like Halloween costumes are safe for children as well as working with the police and shop owners across the county to make sure nothing is sold that shouldn't be."

Keep an eye out for additional safety messages, including Halloween posters and colouring pages on Norfolk Constabulary's website and social media accounts during and around Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night.

Anyone with any concerns, please call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergency assistance. Help us keep our communities safe by reporting any suspicious activity.

Tips for having a "spookerific” Halloween

· Never go trick or treating alone or split up from your friends.

· Always check with your parents or carer first.

· Only go to houses where you or your friends know who lives there.

· Don't talk to strangers on the street or go off with them.

· Stay in well-lit areas.

· Ensure you can be seen by wearing reflective clothing and carry a torch.

· Take care when crossing roads - it may be hard to see so well in a costume.

· Although Halloween is about looking spooky, be careful not to frighten those who do not want to take part.