Police are urging trick-or-treaters not to be a devil this Halloween and to respect others in their community,

Last year Suffolk Police received 81 calls reporting anti-social behaviour, a reduction on previous years, and police are keen to reduce the figures even further this year.

Sgt Darren Oxbrow said: 'Halloween can be a fun night for all and we want to ensure it's safe for everyone as well; Halloween should not be an excuse for anti-social behaviour.

'Some people may find unknown people knocking on their door during darkness a frightening experience, so if you are out trick-or-treating please make sure you only visit people that you know – this is also important for your own safety.

'Over the past couple of years we have seen a decrease in calls relating to Halloween and we want to continue to see a reduction so we'd ask people to follow our safety advice which includes never going trick-or-treating alone, staying in well-lit areas, and not going inside the houses of strangers.' Police will have extra officers on duty for Halloween on Friday and have been working with other local agencies such as the council and trading standards to help ensure that it's a safe evening for everyone.

Retailers across the county are being encouraged to restrict the sale of eggs and flour to young people in the run up to Halloween and officers have visited schools to help pupils understand that what they believe to be fun can be frightening and intimidating to other people.

A poster is available from the police for shopkeepers, stating that they will not be selling eggs or flour to under-16s at the end of October.

The police have also produced posters for members of the public to display in their windows, one welcoming trick-or-treaters and another asking not to be disturbed.

The posters and further advice can be downloaded from the Suffolk Police website at www.suffolk.police.uk/safetyadvice/halloweensafety/halloweenposters.aspx

Anyone with concerns during Halloween can call 999 in an emergency, or call 101 for non-emergency assistance.