ELDERLY people across North Somerset are being handed special posters to tell trick or treaters to stay away this Halloween

ELDERLY people across North Somerset are being handed special posters to tell trick or treaters to stay away this Halloween.The posters, produced by Avon and Somerset Police, have been printed as part of the force's Operation Relentless drive.As part of the operation, police in North Somerset have teamed up with the North Somerset Times to launch the Be Safe, Be Seen At Halloween. On the front of the bright orange posters there is a picture of a pumpkin and the wording 'sorry, no trick or treat here'.On the rear of the posters it also gives a series of crime prevention advice to people when dealing with doorstep callers.It asks them to secure the door bar or chain before opening the door and ask for and check the caller's identity.Thousands of the posters are being handed out to elderly people either living in their own homes or in sheltered accommodation across the district.It is hoped once trick or treaters see them displayed in the window they will not call at the property.North Somerset Crime Reduction Officer PC Paul Morris said: "Halloween can be a fun time for children but not for everyone. "This poster will allow individuals to choose whether they wish to take part in the tradition or not. "We are appealing to callers if they see the poster to respect the wishes of the occupant, this will allow everyone to have an enjoyable evening"The North Somerset Times will also be printing a full sized poster in the run up to Halloween which can be cut out of the paper for people to put in their windows.The posters will not only appear in the Times, but also in its sister paper the Weston and Somerset Mercury, meaning around 50,000 of them will be delivered to homes across North Somerset. Special Halloween Street Code cards, with tips and advice for staying safe while out trick or treating, are also being handed out to thousands of youngsters across the district. The campaign was launched earlier this month as part of a police crackdown on antisocial behaviour at Halloween, which is the force's busiest night each year, apart from New Year's Eve.