Warding-off unwanted callers this Halloween
More than 150,000 leaflets have been produced by Saltbox Christian Centre in Hanley, to attach to residents' doors and windows to prevent them being scared by trick or treaters.
The leaflets have been given out by schools, police and faith groups, as well as being free with today's copy of The Sentinel.
Saltbox director Lloyd Cooke has been operating the leaflet scheme for 10 years which he says has been taken up by communities, Neighbourhood Watch staff and police all over the country.
He said as well as protecting the elderly and vulnerable adults, the leaflets were also about protecting unsupervised children and reducing Halloween vandalism.
He said: "Trick or treating encourages children to put themselves in danger and increases the risk of fear and worry experienced by some of our community's most vulnerable people.
"Each October our telephone lines do not stop ringing. Organisations as well as individuals contact us with demands for more and more leaflets. Trick or treating has become a real nuisance to our local community."
Andy Day, co-ordinator of the North Staffordshire Pensioners' Convention, said he fully supported the scheme.
He said: "We don't want to be killjoys but the people taking part in trick or treating should respect the feelings of elderly people. They are not just being miserable, they are frightened.
"We would urge people who see a notice in the window to leave that person alone."
Chief Inspector Peter Hall, crime manager for Stoke-on-Trent division, said there had been 45 calls relating to anti social behaviour in Stoke-on-Trent on October 30 last year and 75 calls on October 31.
He said: "I would urge people to consider their neighbours at this time of year.
"I would advise parents to ask their children to avoid trick or treating at the homes of strangers, and where elderly and vulnerable people live. If children must participate they should do so in a supervised and organised manner and where friends are expecting a knock at the door.
"Neighbourhood police officers will be stepping up patrols across the city over the coming days to provide a visible and reassuring presence.
"We can also provide residents with 'no trick or treat' notices for their windows."
A Cheshire police spokesman said officers had been visiting schools all over the county to spread the message about anti social behaviour on Halloween night.
She said: "They have been reminded about respecting resident's wishes and to look out for the 'yes' or 'no' posters in people's windows when out trick or treating.
"Traditionally there is a rise in the number of incidents of anti social behaviour and criminal damage reported at this time of year.
"Cheshire Police receives more calls from residents on October 30 than at any other time during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period."
Mabel Lewis, aged 76, of Ashdale Road, Fenton, said the posters were a good idea.
She said: "I think they will be very helpful to elderly and vulnerable people."
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