It can be an anxious time for residents, especially the elderly and people who live alone, so Essex Police is taking a firm approach to those people who cause problems for others.

• Stay in areas that are lit with streetlights - take a torch with you just in case
• Although Halloween is supposed to be spooky, be careful not to frighten elderly people
• Don't enter any house, stay on the doorstep
• Only go to where you or your friends know the residents
• Always go trick or treating with an adult
• Throwing eggs and flour is anti-social behaviour and will get you into trouble
• Be visible
• Stay with your friends. Don't split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you
• Don't knock on doors where there is a sign saying 'No trick or treat here'
• Don't talk to strangers on the street

Advice to Trick or Treaters

Sgt Nathalie Carr from Essex Police said: “Halloween should not be used as a chance to upset others. We are appealing to young people to be respectful to others.

“It might seem like harmless fun, but anyone throwing eggs and flour on Halloween or scaring others, could end up in a mess themselves.

“You could be arrested and these pranks could end up affecting your future. Likely penalties include a life long criminal conviction which would severely reduce the chances of the convicted person getting a job.”

"We urge young people to only knock on the homes of people they know, but better still why not stay at home and have a Halloween party instead.”

Advice to Householders

Sgt Carr advises householders that they do not have to open the door or respond to knocks on the door on Halloween.

She said: "If there are any problems or incidents outside their house and they are concerned they can ring police for advice or assistance.

"There will be a high level of visible policing in all districts in Essex on Halloween offering public reassurance and deterring anti-social behaviour.

If parents do decide to let their children go trick or treating they should remind them to follow these rules:

• Do not go off with strangers
• Do not talk to strangers
• Always be accompanied by an adult

For more information, go to: http://www.2smart.co.uk/halloween 

Note:  This information is promoted in Wivenhoe by local community Police Officer, PCSO Louise Goodwin, on behalf of Essex Police

Advice to Shopkeepers

Shopkeepers have been asked to use their common sense when selling eggs or flour to young people.

Schools have been visited by officers who have spoken to students to make them understand that some people may be frightened and intimidated by what they may perceive to be fun.

Letters have been sent to the homes of all of the young people that were spoken to last year about their behaviour. Any person arrested this year who was sent one of the letters will have this brought to the attention of the courts.

Analytical work has also been used to help officers provide the most effective patrols in the most likely problem areas