POLICE in South Devon have issued a ‘stay safe’ message in the run-up to Halloween next Wednesday night.

Officers are urging door-knocking funsters to make October 31 an enjoyable and sensible time for all.

They are anxious to promote their ‘Sorry, no trick or treat this Halloween’ campaign which encourages members of the public who do not want to be bothered by trick-or-treaters to download and print an advisory poster and place it in the front door or window of their homes.

Bob Bunney from the Devon & Cornwall Police Prevention Department said: ‘In recent years we’ve seen an increase in the number of people participating in Halloween fun.

‘We say to anyone who’s going trick-or-treating to think about other people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, as they may get worried or even frightened if strangers are continually calling at their door during the evening.’

He added: ‘We don’t want to discourage anyone or spoil others’ fun, but we ask people not to call at homes displaying the “Sorry, no trick or treat’ poster” and not to be persistent if requests are declined.’

The poster can be downloaded from www.dc.police.uk/halloween

Top tips fro a hassle-free Halloween are:

* Parents accompanying their your children when they are trick-or-treating.

* Only go to the houses of people you know and who are happy for you to call.

* Stay safe, keep to places that you know and are well lit. Do not take short cuts through gardens, alleyways or parks.

* Watch out for traffic. Drivers might not see you.

* If you are wearing a mask make sure that you can see where you are going and are aware of your surroundings.

* Carry a torch and a fully charged mobile phone if you have one.

* Be careful of lantern flames igniting costumes. Ideally, use battery powered LED candles.