Revellers have been asked not to stop at houses displaying the posters

Grampian Police have offered posters to residents of Keith that can be stuck to front doors telling trick-or-treaters to stay away.

The move follows incidents of vandalism, broken property and graffiti in the town last year.

Officers said many elderly people were not familiar with the concept of trick-or-treat.

The posters, which can be put on display on front doors and windows, wish trick-or-treaters a happy Halloween, but advise that the resident does not want any callers.

Received complaints

Community Warden Donna Jamieson explained: "Halloween is exciting for young people who enjoy dressing up and it is a minority of young people that go too far with trick-or-treating.

"However, this time of year can be disturbing, particularly for vulnerable elderly people living on their own who did not celebrate Halloween in this way when they were young.

"Trick-or-treating is a relatively new activity adopted from America and many older people are not even familiar with the concept."

She added that the force had in the past received complaints that a minority of trick-or-treaters had been intimidating towards householders.

Police urged parents to ensure their children behaved themselves at Halloween.