Halloween and Bonfire Night Warning: Police Urge Respect and Caution This Week

With Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night falling within days of each other, Devon & Cornwall Police are reminding everyone to stay safe, respectful, and considerate while celebrating.

Police call for awareness during Halloween

Neighbourhood Policing Lead Inspector Steve Philp said:
“At Halloween, when trick or treaters are out and about, some people may become worried or even frightened if strangers are continually calling at their door during the evening.

“Anti-social behaviour is defined as conduct that is likely to cause alarm or distress to any person and while we appreciate that at Halloween this may be inadvertent, please respect those who don’t want to take part in trick or treating.

“Stick to areas and people you know. People who welcome trick or treaters often put a pumpkin outside their house or in their window as a sign, or you can download a poster welcoming trick or treaters from our website.”

He added: “If you’d rather not have people knocking on your door, you can also download a ‘Sorry… no trick or treat this Halloween’ poster.”

The posters can be downloaded from the Devon & Cornwall Police website and include both printer-friendly black and white versions of the ‘Sorry…no trick or treat’ poster and colour-in versions that welcome trick or treaters.

In Camborne, 700 Halloween leaflets were delivered door to door on Thursday 23rd October by the local Police Cadet Unit and Citizen in Policing volunteers.

Firework safety reminder

Inspector Philp also reminded the public about firework safety, saying:
“Used irresponsibly, fireworks can cause damage to property and do significant harm to people and animals. This is why members of the public may only use fireworks on private property such as back gardens and only licensed professionals can use them in public places.

“If anyone is setting off fireworks in places other than this, it’s possible they’re unaware that they are breaking the law. If it’s children and you know their parents, perhaps ask them to intervene. If you’re having an ongoing problem with people setting off fireworks dangerously or recklessly, please report it to us.

“It’s an offence to throw or set off any firework, including sparklers, in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space.”

Inspector Philp concluded: “Please keep these things in mind, be respectful of others, stay safe and have an enjoyable time during this week of winter celebrations.”

Firework safety and legal guidance

The fire and rescue services in Devon and Cornwall have shared advice for keeping safe with fireworks:

• Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service firework safety guide

• Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service fireworks advice

You can also read about the laws around buying and using fireworks, and report anti-social behaviour, on the Devon & Cornwall Police website