'Trick or Treat' Concerns

Thames Valley Police have issued their annual message in connection with the door-to-door 'Trick or Treat' activities imported from America. They are particularly concerned about the wellbeing of elderly and vulnerable residents

For some people, this time of the year can be a bother as your evenings are interrupted with people knocking on your doors for treats. Most of these children or teenagers are just getting involved in the Halloween celebrations and will be friendly.

If you feel unsafe:

• Don't open your door if you're unsure who is there. Use your spyhole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.
• Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.
• If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Halloween. If you are a coordinator, please identity people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.

Thames Valley Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year.

To report anti-social behaviour, call 101, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number. If you feel threatened, if it's an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, call 999.

Thames Valley Police has produced a video which urges trick or treaters to think carefully about the consequences of their actions. You can view it here.