TRICK-OR-TREATERS in Saffron Walden are being reminded about how to enjoy the activity responsibly in the run up to Halloween. Officers from Saffron Walden Police Station will next week start visiting junior schools in the town to speak about the custom o

TRICK-OR-TREATERS in Saffron Walden are being reminded about how to enjoy the activity responsibly in the run up to Halloween.

Officers from Saffron Walden Police Station will next week start visiting junior schools in the town to speak about the custom of trick-or-treating which takes place around Saturday October 31.

Neighbourhood specialist officer, PC Jack Russell, said: "We want to make sure that children can enjoy themselves and stay safe. The focus will be on making sure that they go trick-or-treating with an adult and only knock on the doors of people they know."

As well as visiting schools, police officers will also be speaking to shops in the town asking them to restrict the sale of flour and eggs to youngsters who may want to use them as tricks.

"It's a voluntary measure, but most retailers take part and display a poster in their window which acts as a deterrent to people who want to cause a nuisance," said PC Russell.

People who do not wish to be disturbed on Halloween will be able to get hold of posters to put on their doors asking trick-or-treaters not to call. The scheme was used last year with some success.

PC Russell said: "During the school visits officers will be reminding children not call on people who are displaying the poster. Some people can be frightened by trick-or-treating and we want to make sure this doesn't happen.

"Last Halloween we had very few incidents in Saffron Walden and the police will be working hard to make sure that this year is the same."

Posters will be available from the police station on East Street. For more information call crime prevention officer Peter Caulfield at Saffron Walden Police Station on 0300 333 444