Police are urging parents to ensure their children are mindful when they go trick or treating this evening.

Dyfed-Powys Police said its officers are looking to remind children celebrating Halloween that some people don’t like unknown callers at their door.

The force has been handing out posters, which are also available on Dyfed-Powys Police’s website, to people who don’t want trick or treaters to knock.

It also has posters which shop owners can download to display in their windows to remind trick or treaters that eggs and flour will not be sold to people aged under 18.

The police action is part of Dyfed-Powys’ Op Bang – be a nice guy – which aims to tackle antisocial behaviour over Halloween and bonfire night.

Neighbourhood policing teams have also increased their patrols in the lead-up to tonight and bonfire night on Tuesday, November 5.

Officers have also been speaking with children and young people at school assemblies and youth clubs, advising them how to act lawfully and responsibly in the spooky season.

Chief Inspector Nicky Carter, from the Crime and Harm Reduction Unit, said: “While Halloween can undoubtedly be a great deal of fun, it can also be a particularly distressing time of year for some of the more vulnerable members of our communities, especially the elderly who might not want trick or treaters at their door.

“Fortunately, the majority of communities we police don’t experience a great increase in crime at this time of year, but there can always be one or two people who spoil it for everyone else. We don’t want people’s enjoyment to get out of hand and cause people to feel threatened in their own home. I would therefore urge trick or treaters, and parents out with children not to knock on doors where the poster is displayed.

“To reassure residents we will be increasing patrols to enable us to react quickly to anyone who uses Halloween or bonfire night as an excuse to commit antisocial behaviour. If this is the case we encourage them to call us on 999 if it is an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies.”

For copies of the posters asking trick or treaters not to call, visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website by clicking here.