Have a safe Halloween

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We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Halloween, but we also recognise this time of year can be stressful for people who are elderly, vulnerable or live alone. Sadly there can be a rise in anti-social behaviour nationally in the days around it.

We have put together some advice on how to stay safe and avoid causing problems in the community. 

Help your neighbours feel safe:

  • Start by just saying ‘hello.’
  • Ask if they would like you to check if they are ok on Halloween with a visit or a call.
  • Let neighbours know if you’re planning a party, so they won’t be alarmed.
  • Remind children to respect others’ property and not to call on homes that have the ‘Sorry, no trick or treaters here’ poster.

Safety advice for trick or treaters:

  • 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 sign saying ‘no trick or treat here’.
  • Don’t knock on the doors of strangers (or look out for signs that trick or treaters are welcome, such as Halloween decorations).
  • Stay in areas that are lit with streetlights and take a torch with you just in case.
  • Stay with your friends – don’t split into smaller groups unless an adult goes with you.
  • Throwing eggs and flour at houses causes criminal damage. You could be arrested.
  • Don’t talk to strangers on the street and never enter any house, just stay on the doorstep.
  • Although Halloween is supposed to be spooky, be considerate to those who don’t take part and be careful not to frighten vulnerable people.
  • Remember road safety, always look carefully before crossing the road and be visible.

Nextdoor’s Treat Map

Over half of UK families (56%) are planning to celebrate this year, however, 63% of parents said they would feel more encouraged if they knew which houses in their neighbourhood are taking part. 

Nextdoor’s Treat Map is back to help you get into the Halloween spirit this year. Whether you plan to take the kids out trick-or-treating or will be transforming your home into a spooky surprise, Nextdoor’s Treat Map has you covered. 

The Treat Map is an interactive and fun way to share Halloween plans with neighbours and a handy resource for parents. It’s also a great tool to know what homes would rather not be disturbed, allowing you to be aware of who you scare on Halloween night, ensuring a fun and safe night for all.

How to get involved:

  • Handing out treats or decorating your home? Let neighbours know how you’re getting involved by pinning your home on the Treat Map for your neighbours to discover!
  • Use the Map to plan your trick-or-treating route and find the best streets for treats and fangtastically decorated homes near you! 

Visit the Nextdoor website or download the Nextdoor app to check out the Treat Map. 

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