Trick-or-treaters have been warned to leave anti-social behaviour at home this Halloween.

Parents are being asked to make sure their children aren’t using the spooky occasion to run riot.

Swale council has joined up with Kent police, Kent Neighbourhood Watch and Kent Fire and Rescue Service to help keep households safe and protected on Tuesday, October 31.

A poster has also been created so people living in Faversham, Sittingbourne and on Sheppey can show if they do not want any trick-or-treaters to visit them.

Homeowners can simply download and print out the poster and place it in a visible location, such as the door or window.

A council spokesman said: “There are many reasons why people may not want to take part, whether it is for religious reasons, you or a loved one are at risk or suffer from poor health or you lack disposable income this year for decorations and sweets.

“Some residents may also be scared to open the doors to strangers after dark.”

The council is also encouraging parents to let their children know that if they see this poster, they should leave the house.

But it is also important that carers make sure their children are not taking flour or eggs with them to ruin the spooky season with anti-social behaviour.

The warning comes following a spate of yobbish behaviour across the borough.

Throughout the year police have issued dispersal orders across Sittingbourne’s high street and retail park and Morrisons was forced to bring in CCTV to deal with anti-social youths.

On Sheppey, vandals burnt down the much-loved playground castle at the Beachfield’s sandpit, damaged parked cars owned by staff from nearby Wiggles Playgroup, threw paint and glass in the outside paddling pool at Sheppey Leisure Complex and pulled plants from flower beds in Marine Town.

Yobs also destroyed war memorials by the Minster Gatehouse Museum and set fire to seaside toilets.

And in Faversham, anxious residents said a “worrying rise” in anti-social behaviour is blighting the town.

It came after a bench carved from a tree in the recreation ground was destroyed by a blaze.

Cllr Richard Palmer, chairman of the community committee, said: “Remember, that while getting ‘treats’ is fun and exciting, please do not ‘trick’ any homes that are not participating, behaviour like throwing eggs and flour can spoil the night for all.

“We want everyone to have a pleasant and enjoyable Halloween evening, whether you are celebrating or not.

“There are many reasons for people not wanting to take part in the Halloween festivities, and it is important for communities to respect those households’ right to do so.

“These posters offer a clear way for residents to show they do not want to take part in trick or treating this year.

“If you or anyone you know wants to sit this year out, just print out the poster and place it on your home and you should have a relaxed Halloween night.

“But it is key that parents tell their children to look out for, and avoid, any homes that have the poster.”

To get your Halloween opt-out poster visit Swale council’s Facebook page or website.