POLICE are to step up patrols in Weymouth and Portland to clamp down on anti-social behaviour on Hallowe’en.

More police officers will be out on the streets of Weymouth and Portland on Monday, October 31 and the weekend before.

Dorset Police are warning trick or treaters to stay safe and respect others.

PC Matt Lydford, of Weymouth and Portland Safer Neighbourhoods, said: “There will be an increased police presence over Hallowe’en and over the Hallowe’en weekend.

“We are urging the people who do trick or treating to be considerate, be safe and be respectable and to if at all possible attend a pre-arranged Hallowe’en party.

“People should respect the signs people have up that say: ‘No to Trick or Treaters’.

“Parents should be responsible and go out trick or treating with their children.”

Safer Neighbourhood Teams will also be on hand to issue advice to communities in the run up to Hallowe’en.

They have already started to provide Hallowe’en posters to the public and shopkeepers.

Posters have been distributed to shops in the area warning trick or treaters that eggs or flour will not be sold to them.

Dorset Police say anti-social behaviour is down by more than 12 per cent across Dorset so far this year, compared to the same period last year, and officers are keen that the Hallowe’en weekend doesn’t bring an increase in incidents.

The Dorset Police Safe Schools and Communities Team has visited schools around the county to deliver short presentations about being safe and responsible.

PCSO Dave Hill said: “I think there’s a good understanding among the youngsters we’ve spoken to and lots of them seem to be attending specially organised events for Hallowe’en.”

Chairman of the Dorset Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Ray Nottage, said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and when going about their business and incidents of anti-social behaviour can make people feel afraid and intimidated.

“If homes display no trick or treating signs, then politely move on.”

Stay safe

• Make sure that a parent or guardian knows where you are – trick or treaters should always have adult supervision • Only call on friends, family or neighbours – and ideally this should be arranged in advance • Respect the rights of those who do not want to take part • Do not accept money and be grateful for any treats • Do not play tricks on people – these can be frightening • Criminal damage – which includes vandalism and throwing objects – can result in a fine or even prison