DEVON & Cornwall Police is encouraging those who celebrate at Halloween to make it a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.

Have fun if you’re going trick-or-treating this Hallowe’en but remember that not everyone wants you to call at their home. They may have a sleeping child, nervous pet or feel vulnerable. Pumpkins and decorations are a good sign they want to join in, but if the house is in darkness or has a poster politely declining trick or treaters, you should move on.

The ‘Sorry, no trick or treat this Halloween’ poster can be downloaded from here www.dc.police.uk/halloween and printed and placed in the front door or window of your home if you don’t want callers this Halloween.

Superintendent Jacqueline Hawley from the Devon & Cornwall Police Prevention Department said: “In recent years we’ve seen an increase in the number of people participating in Halloween fun.

“We ask everyone who’s going trick-or-treating to think about other people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, as they may get worried or even frightened if strangers are continually calling at their door during the evening.

“We ask people not to call at homes displaying the ‘Sorry, no trick or treat’ poster and not to be persistent if your requests are declined.”

You can also download and print a poster which indicates that accompanied children in costume are welcome at your home.

To have a fun and safe Halloween, follow these top tips:

Adults: always accompany your children when they are trick-or-treating.

Go to the houses of people you know or who you are sure are happy for you to call.

Keep to places that you know and are well lit. Do not take short cuts through gardens, alleyways or parks.

Watch out for traffic — drivers might not see you.

If you are wearing a mask make sure that you can see where you are going and are aware of your surroundings.

Carry a torch and a fully charged mobile phone (if you have one)

Be careful of lantern flames igniting costumes. Ideally, use battery powered LED candles. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service both have advice about dressing up safely this Halloween.

For more information and posters, including “Sorry, no trick or treat”, visit the police website: www.dc.police.uk/halloween