Halloween is traditionally a busy evening for Gwent Police with lots of calls being received, particularly to report anti-social behaviour.

Last year on October 31 there were 211 Halloween-related calls made to Gwent Police alone.

In a bid to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night the force is again launching a special Halloween Operation with its ‘No Callers Please’ pumpkin poster.

If members of the public would prefer not to have Halloween callers at their door they can pick up a free copy from their local Neighbourhood Policing Team and community venues.

Signs can also be downloaded from the Gwent Police website (gwent.police.uk).

Gwent Police are also working with partners, including local authorities, shops, the fire service, community groups, cadets, schools and youth services to help keep the number of anti-social behaviour incidents to a minimum.

Posters explaining the use of the ‘no callers please’ signs are being delivered to local schools, asking pupils to respect the signs that they see, and not call at any homes displaying them.

School Community Police Officers are also visiting assemblies this month to remind school pupils about the impact of anti-social behaviour on other people, and reinforce the consequences of this type of behaviour.

Local shops have been coming on board with the campaign, and will be refraining from selling flour and eggs to under-18s during the week of Halloween. They will also be pinning up posters to show their support.

Chief Superintendent Emma Ackland, said, “We know that Halloween is an enjoyable evening for lots of people, and we certainly don’t want to prevent people from having fun. We are just asking people to think about the impact of their actions on other people in the community.

“If someone has a ‘no callers please’ sign up on a door or window then we are asking for this stance to be respected. Please do not try to make contact with the occupants. More information will be available on our Gwent Police Facebook and Twitter pages so please check those for more information.”

To report incidents of anti-social behaviour, phone Gwent Police on 101. In an emergency, please dial 999.