Halloween is traditionally a time of harmless fun. Each year however, Warwickshire Police deals with a number of Halloween-related incidents involving criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

Warwickshire Police have produced a flyer that county residents will be able to display in their windows asking trick-or-treaters to stay away. Officers hope that trick or treaters will honour the ‘do not disturb’ notice and move on when they see one displayed.

These will be distributed by your local Police Community Support Officers to residences that are deamed vulnerable - alternatively, you will be able to download a copy of this poster and print your own copy by clicking the link below.

Sorry, No Trick or Treat this Halloween poster (pdf file)


Calls, tricks or pranks that may be harmless fun to some people can cause real distress to others. Behaviour such as throwing eggs or flour can also quickly cross the boundary from being anti-social into causing criminal damage.

We would urge anyone who is planning on going out trick or treating to act sensibly and not cause upset to other members of the community, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Equally important is the necessity for the trick or treaters to stay safe themselves. By following a few guidelines, we can ensure Halloween is safe and trouble-free for everyone.

• Adults should ALWAYS accompany children when trick or treating.
• Young people should never go trick or treating alone.
• Do not knock on the doors of strangers - only go to people you know.
• Always keep to well-lit areas.
• Wear bright clothing and remember the basics of road safety.
• NEVER go into a stranger’s house.
• Always carry a torch or glow stick when you go out.
• Keep your tricks within the law - anything that results in damage is an offence and will be dealt with as such.
• Unless pre-arranged, do not visit elderly members of the community.
• If someone calls at your door, be cautious. Use a door chain or door viewer to check the caller's identity. If you are unsure, do not open the door.
• If you are happy for trick or treaters to all at your door, remember to stock up on treats.
• Do NOT ‘Trick’ strangers – consider how would you feel if it was your Grandparents that were afraid.
• As a general rule, if youngsters are old enough to trick or treat on their own, they are too old to do it.