Dorset Police Halloween Advice

As Halloween approaches Dorset Police have issued the following advice:

Dorset Police is issuing advice to all residents as Halloween approaches – highlighting the need for safety and common sense while still having fun.

This year Halloween falls on Tuesday, 31 October 2006, and Dorset Police is urging residents and visitors to the county to have an enjoyable Halloween, but to also be considerate and act sensibly.

Halloween is a time of year when people dress up and have fun. However, some people – especially those living on their own and the elderly – can find it quite a distressing time.
The message from Dorset Police is to please have an enjoyable evening but do respect other people’s wishes. If they do not want to open their doors or join in, then please move on and do not try to intimidate them in any way.

We recently ran a drawing competition in the local media for children aged between 5 and 16 to design our new ‘no trick or treaters’ poster. Chelsea Tiller, aged 11 from Bournemouth, won the competition with a fantastic design so if you don’t want to be disturbed on Halloween, then visit www.dorset.police.uk to download Chelsea’s poster.

A second design is also available, so if you’d like to use this version, then please visit www.dorset.police.uk There is also a poster available to download for general display in shops or locations that may be selling Halloween merchandise. then visit www.dorset.police.uk

Dorset Police is offering advice to trick or treaters, to parents and guardians and also to residents.

Advice to trick or treaters:

• Make sure that a parent or guardian knows where you are – trick or treating should also have adult supervision.


• It is recommended that you call only on friends, family or neighbours, and ideally this should be arranged in advance.


• Respect the rights of others who do not want to accept trick or treaters.


• Do not accept money and be grateful for ANY treats.


• Dorset Police recommend that no tricks are played – these can be frightening and could even be a criminal offence.


• Dorset Police will take action against unacceptable behaviour.

Advice to parents and guardians:

• Please be aware where your children are at all times and what they are doing.


• All trick or treating should be supervised.


• Respect people’s right not to accept trick or treaters.


• Do not call on addresses after 9 pm.

Advice to residents:

• You have a right to say NO to trick or treaters.


• Use a door chain when opening your door.


• Never give money as a treat.

I can assure you I won't be out Trick or Treating so if you hear a knock at the door for once it's certain not to be Jane, Claire or I. Instead I'll be out celebrating my Dad's 79th brithday!