Ref. 72712-185EVERY Halloween Swindon's streets are alive with bloodcurdling ghouls, zombies and other hideous creatures enjoying a night of trick or treating.

For most children it is an evening of harmless fun, resulting in a hoard of sweets dished out by neighbours.

But for many, October 31 has become a living nightmare and it has nothing to do with beliefs about the supernatural.

All too often, trick or treating is hijacked by older children who use it as an excuse to wreak terror on the elderly and vulnerable.

Every year Swindon police are deluged with complaints about tricksters who cause misery.

But this year, the Evening Advertiser and the police have joined forces to campaign for a trouble free Hallowe'en.

We have teamed up to print hundreds of posters to deter tricksters.

The message is "have a happy Halloween but please don't trick or treat here."

We don't want householders to feel like curmudgeons which is why the posters wish callers an enjoyable night.

But residents also have the right to enjoy an evening at home without being disturbed.

The first person to put up our poster was grandmother Jean Lawrence, 72.

"As you get older you tend to be more wary about people knocking at the door anyway," said Mrs Lawrence, of Brook Meadow, Wroughton. "In fact I don't open my door at night.

"The scary masks kids can buy nowadays also increase the fear and intimidation.

"People like me don't want to spoil the fun but, as you get older, things are more worrying than when you were younger."

Police say teenagers can be aggressive, often threatening vulnerable householders with trouble.The situation is aggravated because the trouble-makers know their identity is concealed behind masks.

And the misery wrought by tricksters should not be underestimated it can ruin lives. Former Cricklade couple Michael and Jane Tanner were forced out of their home after years of Hallowe'en attacks.

For five years their property was pelted with eggs and flour. Speaking to the Advertiser after the final attack, Mr Tanner said the front of his house looked like an omelette.

He added: "I'm absolutely, totally and utterly fed up. I dread this time of year because I know it's going to happen all over again."

"It was like stones hitting the window and when there are dozens of them, it's frightening."

The couple believed they were targeted because Mrs Tanner was a teacher at Bradon Forest School.

Police regularly receive up to 400 calls about similar incidents. Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "Each year we receive complaints, particularly from elderly people who find trick or treat upsetting

"Of course we want people to enjoy the celebrations but our main concern is safety. By acting responsibly and taking simple precautions we can all enjoy a happy and safe Halloween."

Patty Holt,the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator at Swindon police, said while there was no law against trick or treating, incidents like egg-throwing constituted criminal damage.

If you would like a Halloween poster call 01793 501880 and leave your name, address and a daytime telephone number. A poster will be sent to you.

Kids safety

Children should be accompanied by an adult and should wear reflective strips if possible

Costumes should not be too long to avoid the risk of tripping over

Masks should not obstruct vision

Visit friends and relatives but avoid elderly or vulnerable people

Safe at home

If you feel intimidated by trick or treaters:

Do not open the door, just call Swindon police on 01793 528111. l Afterwards, call a friend or neighbour for support if you feel intimidated.

Tamash Lal