Halloween - Crime Prevention - Neighbourhood Alert

Halloween - Crime Prevention

Halloween Safety & Crime Prevention

Stay Safe and Have Fun This Halloween

Halloween is a time for fun, fancy dress, and community spirit. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your neighbourhood safe.

But, not everyone wishes to participate. If you would prefer not to receive trick-or-treaters, the following crime prevention measures can help reduce unwanted calls and minimise the risk of anti-social behaviour.

For Trick-or-Treaters

🎃 Stay together

Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Older children should travel in groups and tell parents where they are going.

🎃 Be seen

Wear bright or reflective clothing where possible.

Carry a torch or glow stick.

Ensure costumes do not restrict vision or movement.

🎃 Road Safety

Crossroads at safe places and look both ways before crossing.

Avoid running between parked cars.

Stay on pavements where available.

🎃 Respect Others

Only visit homes displaying Halloween decorations or a welcoming light.

Do not enter anyone's home.

Respect residents who do not wish to participate.

🎃 Mobile Phones

Ensure your phone is fully charged before leaving home.

Save emergency contact numbers.

For Parents and Guardians

✅ Know your child's planned route and expected return time.

✅ Encourage children to stay in well-lit, familiar areas.

✅ Check costumes for fire safety and trip hazards.

✅ Discuss stranger awareness and how to seek help if they feel unsafe.

✅ Remind children never to accept lifts from people they do not know.

For Residents

🏠 If you are welcoming trick-or-treaters:

Keep pathways well-lit and free from hazards.

Secure pets to prevent distress or accidental injury.

Consider displaying Halloween decorations to show participation.

🏠 If you do not wish to take part:

Keep external lights switched off

Many trick-or-treaters recognise a dark house as a sign that residents are not taking part.

Avoid displaying Halloween decorations

Decorations can unintentionally signal that you are welcoming visitors.

Consider displaying a polite notice

A simple sign such as:

"Sorry, we are not celebrating Halloween this year. Thank you for respecting our wishes."

This can help prevent repeated knocking.

Crime Prevention Tips

🔒 Secure Your Property

Lock doors and windows, even if you are expecting visitors.

Remove valuable items from view.

🔒 Protect Vehicles

Lock vehicles and remove valuables.

Do not leave bags, phones, or sat navs on display.

🔒 Report Anti-Social Behaviour

If you witness criminal damage, nuisance behaviour, or vandalism, report it to the police.

In an emergency, always call 999.

🔒 Social Media Awareness

Avoid posting information that reveals your location or that your home is empty.

Halloween should be fun, friendly, and safe for everyone. By showing respect for others and taking simple precautions, we can all help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.

Emergency

999 – Emergency Police, Fire or Ambulance

Non-Emergency

101 – Police Non-Emergency Number

Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween! 🎃👻🚓

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Sarah Jones
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Blackheath Westcombe SNT)