Halloween night in Wiltshire will be a safer time and place for those who are not fans of the trick or treat tradition, according to police.

Officers will patrol known hot spots to tackle violent crime and criminal damage while helping reduce crime and distress during the festivities.

Community safety agencies will also be stepping up action to keep the county’s streets safe between now and Bonfire Night.

Wiltshire Police Chief Inspector Charlie Dibble said: “We understand that Halloween is an exciting tradition for young people and we’re not trying to spoil their fun.

“Working together with partner agencies and our Neighbourhood Policing Teams, we have plans in place to help tackle anti-social behaviour, which includes keeping an open dialogue with key members of local communities and increasing patrols in targeted areas.”

Wiltshire Council’s Public Protection Department will investigate any complaints they receive that fireworks have been sold to a child under the age of 18.

Shops will also display posters reminding customers that eggs or flour will not be sold to under-18s in the days leading up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Mandy Bradley, service director from Wiltshire Council’s public protection and public health service, said: “This can be a distressing time of year for some people, particularly for some vulnerable members of the community and those who simply don’t want trick or treaters at their door.

“We would ask trick or treaters to respect the wishes of those who choose not to mark the occasion and to read the advice we have to ensure that this Halloween is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

For people who don’t want trick or treat callers, a poster has been produced displaying the words ‘sorry, no trick or treat here please’.

The posters can be downloaded from the Wiltshire Police website or collected from local Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Local retailers can download the ‘don’t ask us for eggs, flour or fireworks’ poster via www.wiltshire.police.uk