TRICK-or-treaters in north Wiltshire are being encouraged by police to stay safe and respect others in the run up to Halloween on Friday.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be undertaking high visibility patrols during the Halloween period to help prevent anti-social behaviour.

Wiltshire Police ‘No trick or treat’ posters are available to display if residents do not want trick-or-treaters at their door this Halloween.

The force's head of crime prevention, Superintendent Marion Deegan said: “Trick-or-treaters should take care and think carefully about which doors they knock on, particularly if there are elderly people or people living on their own in your neighbourhood.

“The most important message is that we want people to enjoy Halloween and, in particular the children and young people, by keeping themselves safe and making sure they do not cause any problems in their communities.”

Residents who feel nervous or unsafe by trick-or-treaters are urged by police not to open their door if they are unsure who is there.

They are advised to use their spy-hole, or look out of a window and use their door chain if they do decide to open their door. They are also advised to have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour by their telephone, in case they need to phone them.

They can download the ‘No trick or treat’ poster fat www.wiltshire.police.uk or by contacting their Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "Whilst Halloween can be a lot of fun, especially for youngsters, it is important to remember that ‘trick or treating’ in the dark can be upsetting, especially for elderly and vulnerable people and those who live alone".

Police have asked trick-or-treaters and their parents to make sure young people are accompanied by an adult at all times, keep to areas that they know and that are well lit

They are also advised to carry a torch, only go to the houses of people who are happy for trick-or-treaters to call and not to take short cuts through gardens, alleyways or parks.