Wilby Parish Council

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.
• 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.
• 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. If you or someone you know is in danger call 999.

Residents' advice

It's not just at Halloween when unexpected callers turn up. Follow these tips for doorstep safety:

• Remember official visitors should always make an appointment beforehand.
• Look through the door spyhole, viewer or window to see who is outside.
• If you decide to open the door, put the chain or bar on first.
• Check the caller's details and ID before you let them into your home. Telephone the relevant organisation to confirm the caller's identity, but don't reply on a phone number that the caller gives you.
• Don't feel pressurised into buying items on your doorstep and be wary of callers who may offer home repairs or gardening. Report any unexpected traders to our doorstep crime hotline on 0345 23 07 702.
• Consider putting a 'Sorry No Trick or Treat' poster on your door or window.

Report anti-social behaviour by calling 999 in an emergency, if a crime is in progress or life is at risk, or 101 for non-emergencies. » Less