York Police are asking children and residents to observe a code of conduct in the run up to Halloween. The following poster can be downloaded from their website
Parents should take responsibility for their children’s behaviour – know where they are at all times, and follow a few key dos and don’ts.
Do:
- Only trick or treat in your own neighbourhood unless you’re with an adult
- Stay in well lit areas where there are plenty of houses
- Make sure an adult knows the area you plan to visit and what time you’ll be back
- Look out for ‘no callers please’ posters and respect your neighbours
- Keep to pavements and trick or treat on one side of the street before crossing safely to the other side – don’t criss-cross
- Wait to eat any treats until you get home so that an adult can check them
Don’t:
- Don’t cut through back alleys, ginnels or fields, and don’t trick or treat too far from home
- Don’t go alone – take an adult with you or stay in a group
- If you do decide to go trick or treating, please respect the wishes of householders who do not wish to take part, and please do not use the season as an excuse for anti-social or intimidating behaviour.
Even if you are not involved in trick or treating, bear in mind the following:
- Not everyone appreciates trick or treaters. To prevent unwanted ghosts and ghouls, put a ‘no callers’ note on your front door.
- If you are prepared to receive the local monsters, switch on your outside light and remove any trip hazards. If you set lanterns outside your front door with candles in them, make sure that they are far enough out of the way so that costumes won’t accidentally be set on fire.
- If you are driving on the evening of the 31st, remember that excited children don’t always do as they are expected, so slow down in residential areas and take extra care.
If things get out of hand, you feel intimidated, or someone’s safety is at risk, contact North Yorkshire Police.