A police force in the north of England is trying to discourage children from trick or treating this Halloween because of Covid-19.
South Yorkshire police (SYP) have produced a poster residents can print out and put in their windows saying “No trick or treaters”, with a picture of a silhouetted pumpkin crossed out like a no-entry sign.
The force said: “This year our communities will be celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night differently; organised events have been cancelled due to Covid-19 and trick or treating is being discouraged.”
It added: “Simply put the poster in your window or on your door and those taking part in the festivities will know that you do not want to be disturbed.”
The poster was widely mocked on social media, with users saying anyone putting it up “may as well print off a sign that says ‘Please egg this house’”.
Police forces around the country have come up with various campaigns around Halloween and Bonfire Night this year, which are designed to keep communities safe – even though some may view them as killjoy.
SYP’s is called Dark Nights and the force has designated a “silver commander for Dark Nights”, Ch Insp Lee Carlson, who told residents: “Your neighbourhood teams will be out and about in the evenings throughout this period, working hard to make sure that everyone can have an enjoyable and safe time.”
Greater Manchester police (GMP) have called their campaign Bang Out of Order, which warns that setting fires, throwing fireworks and making hoax calls are “bang out of order” and will not be tolerated this Halloween and bonfire season.
Greater Manchester fire and rescue service dealt with 4,241 deliberate fires and attended 358 hoax calls over the last three years during what it calls “the bonfire period” (1 September to 10 November). There were 75 attacks on its firefighters in the same period, with crews being abused and pelted with rocks and fireworks.
South Wales police said they would again be supporting Op Bang, a campaign to help communities enjoy the festivities safely, while asking them to remember that “Halloween and Bonfire Night are not fun for everyone”.
