Derbyshire Police issue advice to enjoy Halloween safely

With Halloween fast approaching, Derbyshire Police have issued a key message 'keep safe, think of others and have fun' this spooky season.

Advice includes having a conversation with your child about respect and enjoying Halloween safely.  To instigate and encourage this, officials have published a Halloween WordSearch which can be downloaded and printed.

A statement said that it is also important to remember that this time of year can be stressful for the elderly, those who live alone and for the vulnerable - so Police officers ask people to be respectful when celebrating.

A list of top tips has also be made available to enjoy a safe and respectful Halloween:

• Children should be accompanied by a parent or carer.
• Agree a time for children to return home .
• Make sure they know not to enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Check the route they are planning to take and make sure you are happy with it.
• Remember road safety and wear bright clothes
• Use battery powered lamps instead of candles
• Be mindful of your neighbours on Halloween night, or for any Halloween themed parties! Be respectful
• If there are no decorations/signs in the window – don’t visit, they might not want to take part in Halloween and that’s fine.

If you see a 'No Trick or Treat' poster displayed, don’t call at that house.

Download a safety advice leaflet to find out more, and a No Trick or Treat' poster, that you can print off and stick in your window.

Reporting a concern
Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year, so it is important that you choose the correct way to report a concern to the police.

For a full list of anti-social reporting methods, please visit the ASB Hub here: Derbyshire ASB Hub.

You can report crimes via:

• Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Website – complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call 101.

Please only dial 999 in a genuine emergency.