POLICE have issued a recording of a distressed vulnerable woman's 999 call after she was frightened by trick or treaters.

The woman in Taunton, who was recovering from a heart attack, is put at her ease by the call handler during the call last Hallowe'en.

Officers are using it as a warning to people enjoying the evening not to turn it into a nightmare for others.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "Scary is someone in an emergency who is unable to get through to us on Hallowe’en or Bonfire Night because the lines are tied up.

"This time of year should be great fun but, for people who are elderly or live alone, it can be pretty frightening too.

"If you feel genuinely threated or scared, don’t hesitate to call us on 999.

"But Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night are two of the busiest nights of the year for our call handlers.

"So, if a crime isn’t in progress and no-one is in immediate danger, please think twice about calling us – someone with a genuine emergency might be waiting to get through.

"If it isn’t an emergency, you can report it on our website."

He added that we can all play a part to keep our communities safe.

If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, why not pop around this week to check they’re OK and offer to print a ‘no trick or treaters’ poster for them to display?

Isolation and loneliness can increase vulnerability to crime, but simply saying ‘hello’ can make all the difference and help keep people safe.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR NEIGHBOURS FEEL SAFE,

  • Just say ‘hello.’ Ask if they would like you to visit on Hallowe’en or Bonfire Night.
  • Download a ‘No trick or treaters’ poster from the Avon and Somerset police website and ask if they would like one.
  • Don’t let off fireworks after midnight on Bonfire Night. More information about firework legislation is available here.
  • Let neighbours know if you’re planning a party or a fireworks display, so they won’t be alarmed.
  • Remind children to respect others' property and don’t call on homes that have the 'sorry no trick or treat' poster.
  • If you plan to celebrate on November 5, make sure your bonfire is a safe distance from any property, hedges or fences and that you have a water supply nearby in case something goes wrong.

FIREWORKS SAFETY.

  • Follow the instructions on each firework – read them in daylight or by torchlight, never by a naked flame.
  • Make suitable supports and launchers if you’re setting off Catherine wheels or rockets on the night.
  • On the run-up to Bonfire Night, retailers should ensure they know the legislation around selling fireworks. It is illegal to sell these to anyone under 18.
  • It is an offence for anybody under the age of 18 to have a firework in a public place or for anyone to throw a firework.

The spokesman added: "We’re wishing our community a safe and happy Hallowe’en."