It’s that time of year again when the ghosts and ghouls of Sussex hit the streets in order to wreak their havoc.

While Halloween can undoubtedly be a great deal of fun, it can also be a particularly distressing time of year for some of the more vulnerable members of our communities – especially the elderly.

With this in mind, Sussex Police are urging Trick or Treaters not to be a Phantom Menace  – by thinking carefully about which doors they knock on this Halloween. Better still, why not just stay at home and have a Halloween themed party with your friends and neighbours?!

If you do decide to go Trick or Treating respect the wishes of any household displaying a ‘No Trick or Treat’ poster (which can be downloaded from this web page). It’s there for a reason!

When Trick or Treating you should also stay as safe as possible by following the ‘Haunter’s Code’.

• Always go trick or treating with an adult.
• Only go to houses where you or your friends know the residents.
• Don’t knock on doors where there is a ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign.
• Stay in areas that are well lit with street lights – take a torch with you just in case.
• Stay with your friends – don’t split in to smaller groups unless an adult goes with you.
• Don’t talk to strangers on the street.
• Don’t enter any house – stay on the doorstep.
• Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly.
• Be visible.
• Look carefully before crossing the road, even if you’re part of a group.
• Don’t vandalise anything or throw things like eggs and flour. This can cause a great deal of damage and misery. What’s more it can be classed as criminal damage, or even assault, and a night of ‘fun’ could end up with you in trouble with the police.

Instead of going out trick or treating, why not get in to the 'spirit' of things by staying at home instead and throwing a spooktacular party. Some fiendishly fun ideas for games and food can be found on the BBC website