TRICK or treaters are being warned not to turn into horrors over Halloween.

Dorset Police is urging youngsters to enjoy the festivities but to ensure they respect others.

Enhanced patrols will be carried out by officers on Halloween night, Wednesday October 31, as well as during this weekend, the start of half-term.

Superintendent Dave Thorp said: “We appreciate that people want to go out and enjoy Halloween but it is important to respect the views of others who do not want to participate.

“If homes are displaying no trick or treating signs, then politely move on.

“We will take action against anyone found to be committing crime or anti-social behaviour.”

Incidents of anti-social behaviour have reduced ‘significantly’ in Dorset over the past year, says the force.

Between April 1 and September 30, 2011 there were 21,776 incidents of anti-social behaviour in Dorset.

This figure dropped by 15.9 per cent to 18,311 over the same period of 2012 – a reduction of 3,465 incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Dorset have been handing out Halloween posters encouraging the public to ‘Have fun on Halloween but please have respect for others’.

A notice has also been made available to residents, which can be displayed during Halloween asking trick or treaters not to call. A poster has also been created for shops to display informing customers that they will not be selling eggs, flour or fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

The notice and posters are available on the Dorset Police website at dorset.police.uk More than 3,000 young people across Dorset have attended educational sessions from the Safe Schools and Communities Team about the need to be mindful of vulnerable people when trick or treating.

These sessions, which have been delivered in 42 schools, also address the risks posed by fireworks.

Organised Halloween events nclude the free Revive Portland community festivities at Fancy's Farm and the High Angle Battery ghost tunnels today from 3pm to 7pm.

A Halloween Pumpkin Party will be held in Greenhill Gardens, Weymouth, tomorrow from 2pm to 4.30pm.