Halloween in Cornwall: the posters police want in your window

A knock at the door after dark. For some it means excited children in costume and a bowl of sweets. For others it is the last thing they want to hear on a Saturday night.

Devon and Cornwall Police are asking everyone heading out for Halloween this Saturday (31 October) to keep that in mind, and they have a simple way for households to make their wishes clear.

Not everyone celebrates Halloween

The force says it wants people to have a good time, but reminds trick or treaters that not everyone celebrates Halloween and some may not want people coming to their door.

Some people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, can become worried or even frightened if strangers keep calling at their door during the evening. It can also disturb babies, young children and nervous dogs and cats.

So police are asking people to respect those who don’t want to take part, and to stick to areas and people they know.

Free posters for your window

Whether you welcome trick or treaters or would rather they didn’t come knocking, you can download and print a poster for your window from the Devon and Cornwall Police website that lets callers know either way.

There are four to choose from:

• A colour “Sorry, no trick or treat” poster
• A black and white, printer-friendly version of the same
• A colour “Welcome Halloween callers with children in costume” poster
• A version of the welcome poster for children to colour in

A poster for shops too

Retailers haven’t been left out. Shops can also download a poster letting customers know that the sale of eggs and flour will be at the retailer’s discretion over Halloween.