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[Northamptonshire Police]
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Trick Treat Halloween Safety Advice
Have a happy Halloween ‘OP PUMPKIN’
We want people to enjoy Halloween, but it can be a worrying time for parents and homeowners.
Taking a few minutes to talk about safety and respect before you go out trick or treating can help children have a safe, fun time.
Remember, not everyone loves Halloween! If you see a ‘No Trick or Treat’ poster or sign at a house, don’t knock on the door. If you would like a free ‘No Trick or Treat’ poster for yourself, a relative or neighbour,
email [email protected] or download the attached poster to print at home.
If you’re a shopkeeper and decide not to sell flour or eggs to people under the age of 16 during Halloween you can download our 'Eggs and Flour' poster to put in your shop window.
Advice for a safe Halloween
• If young children are going trick or treating, make sure you or a responsible adult are with them at all times. Know where they are going and when to expect them back
• With older children, agree with them where they are going, a return time and if possible, which houses they intend to visit
• Remind everyone to respect posters displaying ‘No Trick or Treat’
• Never try to deliberately scare someone, especially older or vulnerable people
• Don’t allow anyone to go trick or treating alone – always stay with a group
• Eggs and flour are for baking. Don’t allow children to take these items out, and don’t throw them
• As it’s likely to be dark, carry torches and only walk down well-lit streets
• Remind children to NEVER enter anyone’s house and NEVER accept lifts in people’s cars
• Be careful crossing roads in the dark
• Ask children not to eat any sweets or other treats they are given until they get home. Check their treats before they eat any. Sweets and foods still in their original wrappers are safest
Dressing up safety
• Costumes shouldn’t be too long or restrict your child’s freedom to move – you don’t want any unplanned bumps in the night
• Stay away from candles, such as in pumpkins – homemade costumes and even some bought from shops can be highly flammable. When buying costumes, look for labels which say flame retardant
• Masks can obstruct a child’s vision. This is dangerous, especially when they are crossing roads. Consider using face paints instead
• Make sure children are going to be visible when they are out and about. Consider putting reflective tape on their costumes
• Some costumes – coupled with the excitement of Halloween – can encourage aggressive behaviour. Remind all trick or treaters that even fake knives, swords and other costume accessories can hurt or scare people
“Have a great time, stay safe and look out for each other”.
Message Sent By
Les Conopo (Police, Community Support Officer, Daventry & South Northants)