Dear residents,

The Barton Neighbourhood Policing Team would like everyone to have a great time around Halloween and Bonfire Night, but we also want people in our community to feel safe.

If you’re elderly, vulnerable, or simply would prefer not to have Trick or Treaters call at your house, please print off the attached poster and fasten to your door.

We also urge residents to follow this advice:

·  Never give sparklers to a child under five

·  When you are watching fireworks always stand well back

·  Fireworks will scare your pets, so keep them safely indoors

·  Only adults should light and hold fireworks

·  Never go near a firework when it has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off as it could still explode

·  If you are given a sparkler, always wear gloves and hold it at arm’s length

·  When a sparkler goes out DON’T TOUCH IT. It could still burn you, so put it in a bucket of water hot end down

·  You have to be 18 years old before you are allowed to buy fireworks in the shop

·  Never play with fireworks

Don’t make your home a target for burglars.  An opportunist thief might suspect people could be away from their homes on Halloween and Bonfire Night.  Please leave a light on at home if you do go out, lock all windows and doors, and NEVER leave valuables on display (including wallets, mobile phones, iPads etc.).

During the period of Halloween and Bonfire Night, Police receive significantly more calls than normal - especially in relation to ASB.

THINK - Do you really need to call the Police, and are we the correct service?  If so, please phone 101 (non-emergency) or 999 in an emergency.

Thank you, stay safe and don’t become a victim of crime,

The Barton Neighbourhood Policing Team.