The stores are full of fangs and capes, witches' outfits and scary masks - Halloween is here once more, and with it the prospect of another year's Trick or Treaters knocking on our doors.

But not everyone in the borough looks forward to October 31; some residents prefer to be left untroubled by the groups of youngsters knocking on neighbours' doors in search of sweets and small change.

Richmond's Community Safety Partnership is promoting a poster for householders to put in their front window to let trick or treaters know they do not wish to be disturbed on October 31.

Sir David Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities for Richmond Council, said:

"We must remember that while many people look forward to Halloween, there are also a significant number who dread it and do not want to be disturbed - especially as the evenings are getting darker.

"I would urge families with youngsters to remind them that while their scary costumes might look excellent, to others they can be seen as quite the opposite - so please be considerate - and have fun."

Police are visiting schools across the borough to remind pupils about acceptable behaviour at Halloween.
Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Rick Turner said:

"This poster shows clearly the request of householders; their wish to be left in peace should be respected by Halloween Trick or Treat callers."

Call me a stick in the mud but i'm not a fan of Halloween and I cant say I remember it being that great when I was a child either. We've embraced some good things from America (think hard!) but this isnt one of them.

If it were done properly it might have a place but most barely make an effort with their costumes and just see it as an easy night's pocket money. It loses the point surely?

If not that then the unruly youth of today (geez I sound old) are using the day to cause more mayhem than they generally do. Will these posters act as a deterrent? It's a worthwhile scheme in theory but to be honest it's probably the opposite, used as an incentive for those looking to "trick" to annoy residents even more than they already do, plastering their houses in toilet paper and silly-string.

The only positive is that generally trick or treaters, at least the younger ones, are supervised more by parents nowadays who'll no doubt respect the desire of certain residents, especially the elderly, to be left alone.