Police have issued a warning to parents, as well as children, in preparation for the usual Halloween celebrations next week.

Crime prevention officer Sergeant Chris Wilcox said there were a number of things both youngsters and adults should think about before they start to enjoy the festivities of October 31.

He said there would be an increased Police presence, and officers would be targeting any teenage children and adults wearing Halloween masks to make sure they were not acting outside of the law.

He said while many children wear masks as part of the fun of the night, there had been others in the past who used the opportunity to wear masks while committing crimes.

Sgt. Wilcox said residents should keep pets, particularly dogs, locked inside their premises so they, and visitors, do not come to harm, and he said pet owners should refrain from dressing their animals up in costumes, as strange as it might sound.

"There is some advice we wish to put out at this time of year," said Sgt. Cox.

"A lot of it may seem like common sense, but every year Police officers have to deal with the same kind of issues that arise. We have even had people dressing their pets and dogs up.

"We have had youths and adults in the past who have piggy backed off Hallow'een, worn masks and used it to commit offences. We worn both those kind of people, and residents, to beware.

"We want it to be as crime and incident free as possible."

Police advice for parents and children includes:

* Residents keeping their gardens well-lit to ensure the safety of young trick or treaters.

* Children door-knocking in groups, or with an adult, rather than alone.

* Children keeping to well-lit areas and neighbourhoods they know.

* One of the group carrying a flashlight.

* Costumes being flame-retardant and reflective.

* Making sure that children can see properly through their garments and masks.

* All dogs being taken inside the property and secured throughout trick or treat night.

Sgt. Wilcox added: "A lot of this advice may seem obvious, but so many people don't think about such things.

"We are not saying don't have fun, we are just saying make sure that people remain safe. Parents should also check over the treats their children bring home because sometimes people can hand over some strange things to youngsters.

"And sometimes we do get instances of cruelty to animals on Halloween. If anyone sees or hears anything, I would ask them to call 911 immediately."