Police warn Halloween revellers that trick-or-treating can upset people’s religious beliefs

Halloween revellers have been warned that trick or treating may upset neighbours with religious beliefs or those who may be vulnerable.

Leicestershire Police is among the forces who have issued guidance and a print-off poster for those who don’t wish to take part in the festivities to use.

It reads: “Sorry, no trick or treat. This household is not participating in trick-or-treat activities. Kindly avoid knocking on the door or ringing the bell. Thank you for respecting our privacy.”

Police have warned that residents may skip out on the celebrations because they are “observing religious or cultural beliefs that do not include Halloween”.

Swale Borough Council warned on social media: “Whilst some people enjoy Halloween, it’s not for everyone, as not everyone feels safe opening the door to strangers in the dark.

“People may be vulnerable, have religious reasons not to take part, or not have the disposable income for decorations and sweets.

“Parents need to tell their children that if they see the no trick or treat poster, they should leave the house and respect the household’s wishes.”

Meanwhile, Buckinghamshire council has informed trick-or-treaters that some residents might not wish to be disturbed as they are “fighting demons of their own”.

They added in their online advice that celebrants should avoid knocking too loudly, and encouraged those who are making pumpkins to use battery-powered tealights instead of real candles.

Other forces have warned trick-or-treaters to avoid using flour and eggs, while posters have been created in certain shops to make it clear that the items will not be sold for Halloween use.

Suffolk Constabulary stated online that shops were: “being encouraged to restrict the sale of eggs and flour to young people in the run-up to Halloween”.

Officers in Hampshire have urged parents to ensure teenagers: “don’t have access to fireworks, alcohol, eggs or flour”, and to: “explain why they must not play tricks on strangers”.

The Metropolitan Police has also cautioned that for many, Halloween can provide to be a “stressful time”.

Halloween is a celebration of All Hallows and is on the eve of All Saints’ Day, a season dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints and martyrs.

Trick-or-treating is believed to have evolved from medieval European practices like souling, the practice of going door-to-door for food or cakes in exchange for prayers.