Trick or Treat

The annual Sussex Police Trick or Treat campaign was first launched in the late 1990s. It was a response to hundreds of complaints about vandalism and mischief caused by unwanted callers '“ behaviour which is particularly distressing for more vulnerable members of the community such as the elderly.

Following the success of previous campaigns, the force has reproduced its No Trick or Treat Halloween 'flyer' - which can be displayed on the doors and windows of vulnerable householders.

There is also a separate flyer for children and parents, containing advice on how to be a safe and responsible Trick or Treater.

In the 24 hour period between 7am on October 31 last year and 7am the following day Sussex Police received 57 calls regarding the misuse of fireworks and 14 complaints concerning trick or treat activity.

Although this was a reduction on previous years, Sussex Police are hoping the current campaign will contribute to a further reduction of anti-social behaviour at Halloween.

School Liaison Officers are targeting schools across the force area, with personal safety a key issue. Police are asking young people to help by not calling on those who are displaying the No Trick Or Treat flyer.

Inspector Richard Newman, from the Sussex Police Community Safety Department, said: "A statistic that particularly concerns us is that, in the same 24 hour period last year, there were also 102 incidents of egg-throwing reported. Egg-throwing, at both property and people, has become a worrying trend in recent years. This is extremely anti-social behaviour, and can be classed as criminal damage or even assault.

"We ask shopkeepers to bear this in mind when selling eggs to young people, especially on Halloween - October 31- itself. Sussex Police will rigorously investigate any injury caused by this type of behaviour.

"We are not 'killjoys', but it is important to remember that unsupervised young people themselves, wandering around at night and knocking on strangers' doors, may be exposed to danger.

"Our advice to those wanting to celebrate Halloween is to organise a party with friends and neighbours. We want people to have fun, but in a safe and friendly way.

"We would also ask people to respect the wishes of anyone displaying the 'No Trick or Treat' poster, by not calling at their home."

To download a free poster click on http://www.sussex.police.uk/operations/halloween.asp