Police ask public to act responsibly over Halloween

Both Surrey Police and Sussex Police have joined in a campaign to ask members of the public to be responsible and take precautions in doing things that will likely increase contact with others outside of their household.

The current Coronavirus pandemic makes this year different to those previously, and that means observing social distancing with people outside your household, standing well back when knocking on any doors and always keeping your hands clean using sanitiser.

Remember that while we know some people see Halloween as an opportunity to have fun and enjoy themselves, it can be a frightening time for others, especially those who are vulnerable.

Safety tips for Halloween:

  • Assess the current Covid-19 levels in your community to determine whether to postpone, cancel, or limit your activities.
  • Consider alternative activities to celebrate Halloween to limit the spread of Covid-19.
  • Remember the rule of six and avoid gatherings of more than six people.
  • Trick or treating is not recommended as it can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors.
  • Avoid sweets from communal bowls and buckets.
  • If you have any Covid-19 symptoms please self-isolate at home in accordance with government legislation.
  • Remember Hands, Face, Space.
  • The Police suggest that there are still ways to celebrate Halloween while still staying safe including:

  • Take part in the Police Halloween competition – take photos of your Halloween decorations or pumpkins for a chance to win a visit to meet one of their police dogs. Find full details on your local police Facebook page.
  • Take part in The Pumpkin Trail – similar to the Rainbow Trail for the NHS, trick or treaters take part in ‘pumpkin spotting’. Every time your child spots a pumpkin, you reward them with a treat.
  • Spooky Halloween hunt – hide Halloween sweets and treats around your homes or gardens as an alternative to trick-or-treating.
  • Halloween at home – watch spooky films, carve pumpkins, or bake Halloween treats.
  • Be virtual – consider an online party with decorations, fancy dress and themed food. Play Halloween games, or tell spooky stories.
  • Decorate – dress up your house with Halloween decorations for you and your family to enjoy.
  • If you do decide to go trick or treating, please be respectful and remember the following:

  • No cold-calling houses and pre-specify which houses to visit by checking with the occupants first.
  • Avoid houses where there are people shielding and where there are people who could be vulnerable such as the elderly.
  • Continue to observe social distancing.
  • Respect the privacy and wishes of those who do not want to take part in trick or treat – observe the ‘No Trick or Treaters please’ posters people may display in doors or windows.
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    There will be increased patrols over this Halloween to deter any anti-social behaviour and officers will be quick to disperse groups of people who are found to be causing a nuisance.
    Click on the image to open and print the poster, or click HERE to download as a pdf file.

    Poster and information courtesy of Surrey Police and Sussex Police.