Keeping Halloween Spooky, Not Scary. Your SNT update

Keeping Halloween Spooky, Not Scary. Your SNT update

Happy Halloween

I hope you all have a fun, spooky weekend, whatever that looks like for you. Most importantly, I want everyone to stay safe and, for anyone choosing to go out, to be respectful of others.

Remember, you can call the police if you have concerns about antisocial behaviour that is affecting you at the time. If you would like to pass on information about antisocial behaviour that has already happened, please contact us by replying to this message.

All messages are appreciated, whether they are about your concerns, information you wish to share, or simply a comment.

I would like to mention some suspicious activity around Stourport Road and Reservoir Road, Kidderminster. If you see any suspicious vehicles in the area, please let us know. If something is happening at the time, call 101 or 999 as appropriate; otherwise, you can report it to us by replying to this message.

Here is a message from our Superintendent Edward Hancox:

People are being encouraged to be ‘frightfully thoughtful’ of others if they plan to take part in Halloween trick or treating this week.

As families across the region prepare for a night of spooky fun, West Mercia Police is reminding those heading out on Halloween to be considerate of residents who may not wish to take part.

While trick or treating is an enjoyable tradition for many children and young people, some people may feel uneasy about unexpected callers, while others simply prefer not to be disturbed. Those taking part are therefore urged to respect people’s wishes when visiting homes.

Superintendent Edward Hancox said: “Halloween is an exciting occasion that many families look forward to, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it safely.

“We would ask anyone planning to go trick or treating to be respectful of those who may not wish to participate. A little consideration can help ensure Halloween remains a positive experience for everyone in our communities.

“On Halloween night, officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols across our three counties to provide reassurance and help keep people safe while they are out celebrating.

“If you witness anti-social behaviour or anything suspicious, please report it to us through our website so appropriate action can be taken.

“We would also encourage residents to sign up to our free Neighbourhood Matters service, which provides a direct way to engage with local policing teams about crime and anti-social behaviour issues affecting their area.”

This week I have:

I will be on training next week and then working at the KHFC football match on Friday 07/11/2026. Because of this, you will not see me out and about in the community, but my colleagues are still working and are here to help. I may get the chance to look at replies, so you may still hear from me.

Leaving you again with some fun facts:

Halloween began over 2,000 years ago as the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (summer's end), which marked the start of winter and a time when people believed the boundary between the living and the dead thinned

Turnip Lanterns: The very first jack-o'-lanterns were carved from turnips and potatoes in Ireland and Scotland, not pumpkins. Pumpkins only took over after the tradition moved to North America, where they were bigger and easier to carve

Disguises: People originally wore scary costumes and animal skins to trick roaming spirits into thinking they were fellow ghosts or demons rather than living humans.

Fun but maybe more worrying fact - There are 56 days until Christmas Day 2026