Hallowe'en

For some, especially the elderly and vulnerable, Hallowe'en can be a very distressing time. Hallowe'en falls on 31 October and is a time when the evenings begin to get darker and colder and a rise in anti-social behaviour relating to noise, nuisance, criminal damage and fireworks can occur.

If you are a parent or guardian, you need to play your part in the festivities. Never allow young children to go out without an adult and if you and your children are planning to go 'Trick or Treating' please respect notices at the homes of residents asking not to be disturbed. Please also be alert to any unaccompanied children who may be without adult supervision.

If your teenage children are planning to 'Trick or Treat' without you, ensure you know exactly where they are going, what time they will be home and remind them not to knock on the doors of strangers and to stay with their friends at all times. Please also remind them to respect the wishes of those who choose not to take part.

Chief Inspector Laurence Taylor says: "Thousands of people throughout Sussex enjoy Hallowe'en and we do not want to spoil their fun. However, there is a minority who make the evening a real nightmare for those who choose not to participate in Halloween traditions.

We expect many people of all ages to be attending parties and enjoying the evening. As always, we will remain vigilant and will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour that causes unnecessary distress to others."

If you have chosen not to take part in this year's Hallowe'en festivities, we have created a poster that you can display outside your home to ask 'Trick or Treaters' not to disturb you. Simply click on the links on the right to download and print your poster.