The Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership is intent on educating young people on how to enjoy Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night safely while at the same time not causing offence or distress to residents.

The police are urging ‘trick-or-treaters’ to respect other members of the community who may not want to be troubled by unsolicited callers.

Posters have been produced by the Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership to highlight homes where people are happy to be visited by ‘trick-or-treaters’ or where they would rather be left undisturbed on Friday night.

Officers from Neath Port Talbot Police have been visiting comprehensive schools and junior schools across the county to give advice to pupils on the dangers of fireworks and how to enjoy Halloween responsibly.

Inspector Mark Lenihan, of the Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership, said: “While Halloween can undoubtedly be a great deal of fun, it can also be a particularly distressing time of year for some members of our community.

“A large number of shops and supermarkets have agreed to restrict the sale of eggs and flour in the build up to Halloween. In recent years police have received complaints from residents where houses have been bombarded by eggs and flour, causing a mess that has to be cleaned up and in some cases has damaged property.

“Anti-social behaviour can be very upsetting for people and it will not be tolerated, especially under the guise of ‘trick-or-treating’.”

Neath Port Talbot Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be increasing evening patrols, particularly in areas where there have been complaints received in previous years.