Halloween
Halloween is traditionally a night when children enjoy dressing up and going 'trick or treating' around houses in the neighbourhood.
Many householders are happy to hand over sweets or biscuits to children who are just having fun. However, occassionally groups of young people knock at every door whether they know the residents or not, demanding some sort of gift or payment and threatening vandalism such as 'egg and flouring' the house or worse. This can be a frightening and intimidating experience and some residents understandably don't want to answer the door at this time of year.
Whether you are happy to welcome trick or treaters or not, we have some posters you can use to show your preferences. They can be found and downloaded from the Resources page on this site. More details on how to enjoy a safe Halloween are also on page 3 of the Our News Newsletter (October 2016) also found on the Resources page.
If you are going trick or treating:
● Children aged 10 years or younger should be accompanied by an adult.
● Wear light coloured clothing or something reflective to be sure you can be seen. Have a torch or light stick with you and leave them switched on.
● If your children are going trick or treating without you, make sure they tell you where they are going and that a responsible member of the group has your phone number.
● Never enter anyone's house unless you know them well, are comfortable doing so and they have invited you into their home.
● Never ask for money.
● Trick or treating should end at about 9:30pm. Don't ring anyone's doorbell after that time.
● Even if lights are on, don't ring anyone's doorbell more than twice.
● Always use the front door. Never go to the back of a house.
● Don't walk across lawns and gardens. Use the path to the front door and respect other people's property. Never cause damage to anyone's property.
● Always be polite and remember to say thank you!
