Police issue 'no trick or treat' posters ahead of Halloween

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 11:00 · Archive

Police forces across the UK have issued 'no trick or treat' posters to warn trick-or-treaters away from homes where residents do not celebrate Halloween.

Police forces and councils across the UK have issued 'no trick or treat' posters ahead of Halloween on Saturday. The posters are designed for households to display if they do not wish to participate in trick-or-treat activities. Residents and police have urged those celebrating to respect these signs and avoid knocking on doors displaying them.

Leicestershire Police stated that residents may not join in celebrations because they are 'observing religious or cultural beliefs that do not include Halloween'. Police also cited other reasons residents may not wish to celebrate, including those with PTSD or other conditions that may find unexpected visitors distressing. Swale Borough Council warned on social media that some people may be vulnerable, have religious reasons not to take part, or lack disposable income for decorations and sweets.

Buckinghamshire Council informed trick-or-treaters that some residents might be 'fighting demons of their own'. The council advised celebrants to avoid knocking too loudly and encouraged the use of battery-powered tealights instead of real candles for pumpkins. Other forces have warned against using flour and eggs, with some shops displaying posters to clarify these items will not be sold for Halloween use.

How it is being reported

• Anger as police issue warning about Halloween ‘upsetting religious beliefs’Critics have accused the force of "turning a harmless tradition into a national controversy".Daily Express · 30 Oct, 12:48
• 'No trick or treat' posters issued by councils and police after warning it goes against 'religious beliefs' - as residents urged not to carve Halloween pumpkins because it 'wastes veg scraps'Councils and police forces are handing out 'no trick or treat' posters this Halloween so that households can deter unwanted visitors looking for chocolate and sweets.Daily Mail · 30 Oct, 11:24
• Police warn Halloween revellers that trick-or-treating can upset people’s religious beliefsRevellers have been warned that other residents may be vulnerable or ‘fighting demons of their own’The Independent · 30 Oct, 10:28
• Halloween can upset 'religious or cultural beliefs', police say as 'no trick or treat' posters issuedPolice have issued a warning to the public that Halloween can upset "religious or cultural beliefs" ahead of the celebrations this weekend. As millions prepare to take part in festivities on Saturday, councils and police forces across the country have issued "no trick or treat" posters for households to use as a deterrent. In some areas, official guidance warns that people must avoid knocking on the doors of homes displaying the posters as the occupants may not celebrate the holiday due to their beliefs. Leicestershire Police has said that residents may not join in the celebrations because…GB News · 30 Oct, 09:44

In this story: Leicestershire Police · Swale Borough Council · Buckinghamshire Council · UK

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