Warning to trick or treaters

Trick or treaters are being reminded not to call at houses across Shropshire where special police posters are displayed or to cold call on strangers.

Earlier this month the Shropshire Star teamed up with West Mercia Constabulary to promote the Sorry No Trick or Treat poster campaign.

Police officers and community support officers are distributing hundreds of the fluorescent yellow posters across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire.

The posters are being distributed to homes and to GP surgeries, libraries, community centres and shops and are also available from police station front counters.

They will be displayed at homes by people who do not want to be called at by trick or treaters on Halloween.

The police force is now urging people to ensure they do not cold call on strangers warning that they put themselves at risk while intimidating and upsetting some people, particularly the elderly or those who live alone or are vulnerable.

Constable Taryn Green, a crime risk manager for the force, warned that disturbing other residents or throwing objects at people or property are criminal offences.

He said people carrying out criminal damage could face up to three months in prison or a fine of £2,500 for minor offences or in serious cases up to 10 years in prison.

He urged parents to ensure their children are accompanied by a responsible adult when out trick or treating and if possible to only call at the homes of family members and friends.