Halloween is fast approaching and as young people enjoy the spooky season, the advice is to stay safe and respect others.

Safe & Sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership, is encouraging parent’s to make sure young people follow some simple tips when they’re out trick or treating.

Staying safe and showing respect to elderly and vulnerable members of the community comes top of the list.

To stay safe, young people are encouraged to stay with friends and in areas they are familiar with and only visit houses of people they know.

At this time of year the innocent actions of trick or treaters can easily scare elderly and vulnerable members of the community so young people should avoid knocking on doors displaying a ‘no trick or treat’ sign.

To read more tips or to download a ‘no trick or treat’ sign visit the community safety partnership’s website dudleysafeandsound.org/darker-nights. Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for community safety, said:

“There’s no doubt Halloween is an enjoyable time of year for young people but it is important they stay safe and always remember to think about others to avoid scaring or distressing people.

“Trick or treating should be fun and the tips on our website will help everyone have a great Halloween.”