TRICK or treaters who think they are too old to be accompanied by a parent should not be doing it at all, a policeman has warned.

Inspector Ray Wilks who looks after the Wycombe rural area said anti-social behaviour during Halloween will be stamped down on and treated as a criminal act.

Shop owners will not sell eggs or flour to children from now until the American festival is over and there will be a “considerable increase” in the number of police patrolling the streets.

He said: “Everyone out trick or treating should be accompanied by a parent.

"If you are too old to be accompanied by a parent, you are to old to be trick or treating.

“There's a big difference between a nine year-old dressing as a witch and coming to your door and a 6ft 2inch 15 year-old demanding money. That would be treated as a criminal offence.”

Insp. Wilks, who is based at Marlow police station, also called on parents to ensure their offspring act responsibly at Halloween.

“Make sure you know what your children are doing in Halloween and make sure they are acting in the spirit of the evening, respecting that it's not for everybody,” he said.

Anyone wishing to deter spooky revellers calling at their doors can put up a bright orange poster, issued by Thames Valley Police, to make it clear they are unwanted.

Posters have gone to schools.

Insp. Wilks called upon trick or treaters to abide by these signs and show respect, particularly to elderly residents.

Special Constables and PCSOs will be among the extra officers on duty on the night.

However, Insp. Wilks said there had not been many calls of complaint at Halloween in recent years due to police operations.

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