Youngsters out trick or treating in Shropshire this Halloween are being urged by the police to have fun without causing distress to other people.

Officers say they also want to encourage residents who do not want trick or treaters to visit to display the West Mercia Police’s “No Trick or Treat” poster prominently in their window or door.

Each year a number of complaints are received by police about anti-social behaviour during the night of October 31 and extra patrols are carried out by local police teams around this time.

Constable Scott Smither, who covers the Harlescott area of Shrewsbury, said: “Shropshire is a safe place to live but many communities feel concerned about possible anti-social behaviour during this time of year.

“Elderly people in particular can feel intimidated by trick or treaters at their door and we would ask youngsters who are out doing it to show respect and move on if they see one of our posters or if the householder asks them to.

“You have the right to say ‘no’ to trick or treaters and people can collect one of the posters either from their local policing team or police station front counters.

“It will also be available on our website, www.westmercia.police.uk.”

Police are also working closely with businesses across Shropshire, encouraging shops to sign up to a voluntary scheme not to sell flour or eggs to those under the age of 18, unless accompanied by a suitable adult.

Officers say such items can be used in an anti-social manner to cause alarm and distress to householders.

“Although incidents such as egg-throwing are rare and carried out by a minority, police have received reports in the past,” added Constable Smither.