With Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner, West Yorkshire Police are reminding people to keep the fun safe and be respectful of those who simply don’t want to join in.
Officers are urging revellers to get into the Halloween spirit responsibly this year, with a clear message that not everyone in the community is up for trick-or-treaters knocking at their door or fireworks lighting up the night sky.
For families heading out trick-or-treating, police are asking that you stick to houses that have decorations up or a pumpkin on the doorstep. These are the clearest signs that a household is happy to take part. If a house looks dark and unwelcoming, the message is simple: move on. Knocking on doors of people who have made no effort to signal their participation can cause real distress, particularly for elderly residents or those living alone.
Children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult, and it is worth planning your route before heading out. Stick to well-lit streets, wear bright or reflective clothing if possible, and make sure any costumes do not restrict vision or movement. Fake weapons or props that look realistic should be left at home.
When it comes to Bonfire Night on the 5th of November, police and fire services are strongly encouraging people to attend organised public displays rather than letting off fireworks at home. Professional events are far safer, and they take the risk out of handling fireworks yourself.
If you are buying fireworks for a private display, you must only purchase them from licensed retailers. It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18, and setting them off between 11pm and 7am is against the law, except on Bonfire Night itself when the cut-off extends to midnight.
Animal owners are also being reminded to think ahead. Fireworks can cause serious anxiety in pets, so it is worth checking local event listings so you know when displays are planned in your area. Keep pets indoors, close windows and curtains, and provide a safe space where they can feel secure.
Anti-social behaviour is another concern for officers during this period. Every year, incidents spike around Halloween and Bonfire Night, from minor nuisance behaviour to more serious offences involving fireworks being misused. Throwing fireworks is a criminal offence and can result in serious injury or worse. Police will be out in force across West Yorkshire and will not hesitate to act if things get out of hand.
Residents who experience problems or witness anti-social behaviour are encouraged to report it to West Yorkshire Police. You can call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if there is an immediate risk to safety. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The overall message from police is straightforward. Halloween and Bonfire Night are meant to be enjoyable for everyone, and with a bit of common sense and consideration for those around you, they can be. Have fun, look out for each other, and make sure the only things getting spooked this October are the ones that are supposed to be.