Advice for trick or treaters and people at home.

Ghosts and goblins won’t be the only ones prowling the dark streets this Halloween as police are gearing up to ensure a spooktacularly safe night for all.

With hundreds of people set go to parties or visit neighbours’ homes trick or treating on Thursday, officers in the region are increasing patrols to keep an eye on vulnerable people. Revellers will also be reminded to stay safe and show consideration by respecting people who don’t want to celebrate and are displaying one of the thousands of No Trick or Treat cards distributed by officers over the past few weeks.

While many youngsters consider Halloween to be an opportunity to have fun with their friends and play harmless jokes, officers want people to realise that there can be a far more distressing side to the night. Young people could be putting themselves at risk by knocking on a strangers doors if unaccompanied and many residents, particularly elderly or disabled people, may also feel intimidated by young people knocking on their door at night or playing tricks when it is dark and they are home alone.

The reminder is a central part of the force’s bold new Darker Nights Return campaign which uses motion comics along with comic strip, mobile billboards and messages in the region’s biggest online newspapers will also stress the importance of reporting crimes and suspicious behaviour so that officers can take action.

Superintendent Angela Whitaker, from West Midlands Police, said: “Although we encourage the region’s young people to enjoy themselves it is our primary concern that they stay safe and consider the impact of their behaviour on others.

“Elderly people can feel particularly vulnerable this time of year when strangers knock on their door or cause disruption. What a young person may consider to be harmless fun can be very frightening to someone who already feels vulnerable. We would like the region’s young people to think about their actions and show some respect and consideration when trick or treating.”

West Midlands Police have provided many of the region’s young people with flyers with tips on how to stay safe when trick or treating and there are posters in local shops and schools reminding people to show consideration for others during Halloween.

Police have already provided many elderly and vulnerable residents with ‘Trick or Treat’ cards which respectfully request that trick or treaters do not knock at their door during Halloween. Hundreds of others have also been downloaded from the force’s Facebook and Flickr sites. The luminous cards can be displayed on front windows and doors, to advise trick or treaters that they are not welcome to knock the door.

As part of the safety operation officers have been visiting shops urging staff not to sell eggs or flour on the night and will be conducting uniformed and plain clothed patrols.

For security tips, safety advice and more information on The Darker Nights Return campaign visit:  www.westmidsheroes.com.