Sussex Alerts - Sussex Police Seasonal Advice, Hallowe'en and Bonfire

Friday 31st October 2025

Sussex Alerts - Sussex Police Seasonal Advice, Hallowe'en and Bonfire

Sussex Police Seasonal Advice, Hallowe'en and Bonfire

Hallowe'en:

Hallowe'en has become an increasingly popular celebration over the past few years for children, families and young people especially, but it is important not to have fun at the expense of others.

To make it easy to see who’s welcoming of trick and treaters and who doesn’t wish to be disturbed, we have produced trick or treat posters which can be found here.

If you see someone displaying a 'no trick or treat' poster, please be considerate and do not call at those homes.

Tips for trick or treaters:

-Young children should be accompanied by an adult.

-Stay in well-lit areas.

-Consider calling only at houses where you know the occupants, rather than strangers.

-Respect the privacy and wishes of people who do not want to take part in trick or treat – observe the 'No Trick or Treaters please' posters people may display in doors or windows.

For residents:

Residents are advised to continue to be vigilant when opening the door to strangers or unexpected callers.

If you feel unsafe:

-Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spyhole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.

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

-If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Hallowe’en. If you are a coordinator, please identity people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.

-If you are driving on the evening of the 31st, remember that excited children may be crossing the road unexpectedly, so slow down in residential areas and take extra care.

There will be increased patrols this Hallowe’en to deter any anti-social behaviour; officers will be quick to disperse groups of people who are found to be causing a nuisance.

Sussex Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year.

To report anti-social behaviour please report online www.sussex.police.uk. 

If you feel threatened, in an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, call 999.

Bonfire / Fireworks:

Everyone should be able to enjoy fireworks safely, whether at an organised display or in their back garden.

With bonfire season well in swing we're continue to issue reminders and advice to everyone around the law of using fireworks as well as how to stay safe, and report those using fireworks in a dangerous or threatening way.

The different categories of fireworks:

-category one: ‘Throwdown fireworks’ including firecrackers, bangers and party poppers
-categories two and three: ‘Adult fireworks’ available in shops
-category four: Professional display fireworks available from specialist suppliers

So who can use fireworks?:

According to The Fireworks Regulations 2004 and The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015:

-anyone over 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks
-anyone over 16 can only buy, carry or use category one fireworks
-only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category 4 fireworks
 

Unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place, and it is an offence to throw or set off any firework (including sparklers and category 1 fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space

Used irresponsibly, fireworks can cause damage to property and do significant harm to people and animals. Not only is there a danger from fireworks exploding, they can also pose a serious fire risk as well.

This is why members of the public may only use fireworks on private property, such as their back gardens, and only licensed professionals can use them in public places.

What can I do to if I have concerns?:

If a local retailer is selling adult fireworks to people under 18, please report it to your local Trading Standards.

If children are setting off fireworks in your area, our first advice is to ask them politely to stop. It’s possible they’re unaware that they are breaking the law. If you know their parents, perhaps ask them to intervene.
 

If you’re having an ongoing problem with people setting off fireworks, please report antisocial behaviour to us.

In an emergency/crime in action always call 999.

Contact Us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).  

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.  

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.  

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html.

Help setting up Relay APP: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/help/how-to-videos.html Contact 999 using Relay UK - How to use Relay UK | Relay UK