Stay safe this Halloween

Wiltshire Police have released some top tips for 'trick or treating' this Halloween.

They want to remind us that vandalism including throwing things like eggs and flour will not be tolerated. This may be classed as criminal damage, and you could end up getting you in trouble with the police.

• Children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick or treating

• You should only go to houses of people that you know and who are happy for you to call. Do not knock on doors where there is a sign saying 'Sorry no trick or treat here please'

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

• Watch out for traffic

• If you're wearing a mask or fancy dress that covers your face, 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).

Not celebrating Halloween and staying at home, follow this advice:

• Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there

Use your spy-hole, look out of a window, or if you have one use your doorbell camera. If you do decide to open your door use your door chain, or alternatively if you have one communicate through your doorbell camera

• Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them

• If you don’t want trick or treaters at your door this Halloween, ‘No trick or treat’ posters are available for you to download and display. The poster should be displayed in a prominent position either on the front door or front window.

In an emergency call 999, report online or via 101 for all non emergencies.

If you'd like a poster to put up either pop into the Chippenham Police station or go online to https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/police-forces/wiltshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/halloween