Halloween

🎃 HALLOWEEN SAFETY MESSAGE FOR OUR COMMUNITY 🎃

As Halloween approaches, we know many children and families will be looking forward to an evening of trick-or-treating and celebrations. Whilst this can be great fun, it is important that everyone remains respectful of those who choose not to participate.

🏠 "No Trick or Treat" Posters Available

If you would prefer not to receive trick-or-treaters at your address this Halloween, we have a poster available that can be displayed in your window or front door. We encourage parents and children to respect homes displaying these signs and move on without knocking or ringing the doorbell.

📩 If you would like a copy of the poster attached, please contact me via this post and I will be happy to provide one.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Advice for Parents and Carers

✅ Make sure children are accompanied by a responsible adult where appropriate.

✅ Encourage children to only visit homes that appear welcoming and are decorated or participating in Halloween activities.

✅ Remind children to respect "No Trick or Treat" signs and not to knock on doors displaying them.

✅ Plan a safe route and agree a suitable time to return home.

✅ Ensure children carry a torch, wear reflective clothing where possible, and remain visible in the dark.

✅ Teach children never to enter a stranger's home and to stay with their group at all times.

✅ Check any treats before they are consumed.

🚪 Advice for Residents

• Keep gates and paths well lit where possible.

• Secure pets indoors if expecting visitors.

• Display a "No Trick or Treat" poster if you do not wish to participate.

• Report any anti-social behaviour to Kent Police via 101, online, or 999 in an emergency.

🎃👻 DON'T LET HALLOWEEN TURN INTO A NIGHTMARE! 👻🎃

Halloween can be great fun for families and young people, but unfortunately every year we receive reports of eggs being thrown at homes, cars and businesses, causing unnecessary damage, distress and anti-social behaviour.

🥚 Parents, do you know where your eggs are?

Whilst it may sound unusual, eggs are commonly used to target houses, vehicles and shopfronts during Halloween. We would encourage parents and carers to:

✅ Keep eggs and other items that could be used for anti-social behaviour secure within the home.

✅ Check that large quantities of eggs are not being purchased or taken without permission.

✅ Speak with your children about the consequences of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

✅ Be aware of where your children are, who they are with, and what they are doing during the evening.

✅ Encourage young people to enjoy Halloween responsibly and respectfully.

🚨 Did you know?

Taking eggs, money or other items from the family home without permission may amount to theft. When those items are then used to cause damage or commit offences, young people can find themselves facing police involvement and criminal consequences.

🤝 Let's Keep Halloween Safe and Enjoyable for Everyone

By respecting each other's choices and looking out for one another, we can ensure Halloween remains a fun and safe event for all members of our community.