PEOPLE should display this ‘Sorry No Trick Or Treat’ poster if they do not want visitors on Halloween.

West Mercia police are reminding people who do not wish trick-or-treaters to knock on their door on Friday, October 31, to put the specially designed poster on their front door or window.

Similarly, trick or treaters are being told not to call at houses where posters are up.

Chief Inspector Sharon Gibbons, head of West Mercia’s local policing support team, said: “We want everyone who wants to celebrate Halloween to have fun without putting themselves or others in danger.

“We also want them to have fun without causing fear, harassment, alarm and distress to people who don’t wish to join in the Halloween celebrations.

“Trick-or-treaters should be aware that disturbing other people or throwing objects at people or property are all criminal offences and what may start off as a bit of fun could end up with someone getting a criminal record.”

She said police would increase the number of high-visibility patrols and work with councils to tackle crime and encourage good behaviour during the October school half-term.

Posters are being distributed by local police across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

They are available from police station front counters and a digital version can be downloaded from westmercia.police.uk and then printed.

Alternatively, cut out the poster from tomorrow's Worcester News or download it by clicking the thumbnail pic below:

Worcester News: Haloween poster 2008

Trick-or-treat advice

FOR HOMEOWNERS

  • You have the right to say no to trick or treaters.
  • If you do not wish to take part, display the ‘Sorry No Trick Or Treat’ posters and do not open the door.
  • Do not open the door to anyone you do not know.
  • If you open the door, always use the door chain.

FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS

  • Always go with an adult.
  • Do not talk to strangers.
  • Stay in well-lit areas and make sure you are visible.
  • Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents and tell know what time you plan to call.
  • Do not knock on doors where there is a sign saying ‘Do not disturb’ or ‘Sorry No Trick Or Treat’.