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 people with elderly or vulnerable family, neighbours or friends, to download a ‘no trick or treat’ sign from their website to display in doors and windows.

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 the sign.

Parents are also being asked to encourage young people to stay safe when trick or treating by staying with friends and in areas they are familiar with. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said:

"Halloween is an enjoyable time of year and trick or treating should be fun. It’s important young people stay safe when trick or treating whilst being respectful to elderly and vulnerable members of our communities.

"There’s tips on our website and a downloadable ‘no trick or treat’ sign to help everyone in our community have a great Halloween."

To read more tips or to download a ‘no trick or treat’ sign visit the community safety partnership’s website.