With the help of Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Nub News has put together a Halloween safety guide for trick or treaters in Exmouth.

The police are encouraging trick or treaters to have fun this Halloween but remember that not everyone wants you to call at their home.

They may have a sleeping child, nervous pet or feel vulnerable. Pumpkins and decorations are a good sign they want to join in, but if the house is in darkness or has a poster politely declining trick or treaters, you should move on.

The 'Sorry, no trick or treat this Halloween' poster can be downloaded by clicking the red button below and printed and placed in the front door or window of your home if you do not want callers this Halloween.

Superintendent Jacqueline Hawley from the Devon and Cornwall Police Prevention Department said: "In recent years we've seen an increase in the number of people participating in Halloween fun.

"We ask everyone who's going trick-or-treating to think about other people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, as they may get worried or even frightened if strangers are continually calling at their door during the evening.

"We ask people not to call at homes displaying the 'Sorry, no trick or treat' poster and not to be persistent if your requests are declined."

You can also download and print a poster which indicates that accompanied children in costume are welcome at your home.

To have a fun and safe Halloween, follow these top tips:

-Adults: always accompany your children when they are trick-or-treating.

-Go to the houses of people you know or who you are sure are happy for you to call.

-Keep to places that you know and are well lit. Do not take short cuts through gardens, alleyways or parks.

-Watch out for traffic - drivers might not see you.

-If you are wearing a mask make sure that you can see where you are going and are aware of your surroundings.

-Carry a torch and a fully charged mobile phone (if you have one)

-Be careful of lantern flames igniting costumes. Ideally, use battery powered LED candles. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service both have advice about dressing up safely this Halloween.

The fire service would like to remind everyone dressing up in fancy dress for Halloween to be aware of the issue surrounding fire safety and fancy dress costumes.

Each year many adults and children are injured in accidents where lighted candles or fireworks have ignited flammable costumes and hair.

Here is Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's Top Tips for Halloween dressing:

-Keep away from naked flames - avoid using a naked flame or candle in pumpkins; use a torch, glow stick or battery operated candle.

-If your clothing does catch on fire then 'Stop, Drop and Roll' this is a way to try to extinguish the flames and also to stop the flames from rising towards the face.

-Choose a costume and mask that doesn't restrict your child's vision.

-Wear woollen tights or 'heavy' trousers (jeans) and a woollen jumper under the costume.

-Avoid capes, trains, and dangling sleeves. These can drag and brush against a naked flame such as a candle and also pose the risk of a tripping hazard.

-Look out for costumes that meet European Toy (EN71), and British nightwear flammability (BS5722 test 3) safety standard - the toughest standard that currently exists.

-Use caution when creating homemade costumes. Stick with polyester, nylon, wool, and acrylic fabrics and make sure the costumes are not loose-fitting.

-Don't use materials made of natural fibres, for example, cotton wool balls.

-Don't use refuse sacks/bin liners as capes or dresses.

-Opt for battery-operated candles instead of lit ones for pumpkins.