Police issue advice for a safe Halloween

With Halloween fast approaching we’re urging people to follow some useful safety tips when heading out trick or treating.

Our officers will be working throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to help discourage anti-social behaviour and ensure those people who want to take part in the festivities can do safely.

Dedicated high visibility police patrols will be deployed to deter anti-social behaviour, engage with communities and visit areas which have seen issues in previous years.

A plethora of advice is available on our website for anyone planning an evening of fun alongside a ‘No trick or treat’ poster that can be downloaded and used by people who don’t want to take part in Halloween.

Prevention Manager Laura Jones, said: “Halloween is an enjoyable time of year for many people and we want everyone who celebrates it to have great time, safely. Remember that not everyone wants to get involved and what might seem like harmless fun or harmless tricks can be quite worrying to those who do not enjoy the Halloween time. Stick within the spirit of keeping it fun, and respectful to all – Northamptonshire Police will be working to prevent ASB and provide reassurance to communities during this time.

Lots of advice is available at Northants.Police.uk that can be shared with parents, guardians and children about how to have an enjoyable and safe time.

Laura added: “Please take the time to talk with children about good trick or treat behaviour and how to stay safe and explain that the ‘No trick or treat’ posters mean you shouldn’t knock at that house. Do take a few minutes to have a read of the Halloween newsletter and the other advice.”

You can read our newsletter or download a copy of the ‘No trick or treating’ poster here.

10 top tips to keeping safe at Halloween:

• Keep clear of all flames such as candles and lit pumpkins, which could cause costumes to catch fire or cause burns
• Be careful how you dress on Halloween. Homemade costumes and some costumes bought in shops can be flammable. Decorations should also be kept away from naked flames
• Plan your trick or treat route beforehand. Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents. Always go in groups. Don’t go without an adult
• Be cautious about eating what people give you when out trick or treating. Check with an adult when you get home
• Be visible, stay in areas that are well lit with streetlights. Take a torch just in case
• Remember ‘STOP, DROP and ROLL’ if clothing catches fire. STOP where you are. Do not run. DROP to the ground. Lie down flat. ROLL over and over on the ground until flames are out
• Don’t wear masks that restrict your vision. You need to see when crossing roads
• Don’t enter any house when trick or treating, stay on the doorstep
• Don’t knock on doors where you see a ‘No trick or treat callers’ sign
• Avoid using real candles in lanterns and pumpkins. Battery operated lights are safer