The Halloween rule Devon and Cornwall Police want you to follow

You’ve got the costume sorted and a bag ready for the sweets. But before you knock on that first door, there’s one quick check Devon and Cornwall Police would like you to make.

Neighbourhood officers from Devon and Cornwall Police will be out on patrol this evening as Halloween celebrations get under way.

Police say it is generally a good-natured night. But they also point out that a minority of people don’t act in a respectful and considerate way towards other members of their community.

📷Credit: Devon and Cornwall Police

Think about who is behind the door

If you’re a young person out trick or treating, or a parent or adult supervising children, officers are asking you to be considerate and kind to anyone who might be distressed by strangers knocking at their door during the evening.

That goes especially for elderly people and those who are vulnerable. As the force’s own Halloween graphic puts it, your idea of Halloween fun might not be someone else’s.

How to tell if a house is joining in

The advice is to stick to the houses of people you know, or homes that are open to having a trick or treater call.

Police have a simple rule of thumb. If there are decorations outside, the household will probably be happy to see trick or treaters.

If the curtains are closed and the house is dark, keep on walking.

There’s more seasonal advice in the Halloween section of the police website.

Say hello to the patrols

Officers say they hope everyone taking part has an enjoyable evening, and they’re happy for people to stop and say hello if they spot them out and about.

As they put it, “we are not that scary looking!”

📷Credit: Devon and Cornwall Police