For many people Halloween is a fun time of the year. It is exciting for children to dress up and collect sweets, and other treats, from friends and neighbours, but for others, who may not welcome numerous callers to their door, it can be a very unnerving and stressful time.

To help ensure adults and children have a safe time the local police officers have been visiting shops asking them to avoid selling flour and eggs together.

They have also visited older residents handing out posters to put in their windows asking ‘trick or treaters’ not to call.

West Mercia Police also advise parents or responsible adults to accompany young children when they are trick or treating.

Agree on a specific time when older children should return home and only call at houses where there are Halloween decorations on display.

Motorists should also watch out for children in dark clothing.