DORSET Police have warned people to avoid calling at people’s houses when trick-or-treating if it's unclear whether they’d like to join in with Halloween.

If the curtains are closed and the house is dark, residents are being advised to 'keep on walking'.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "Your idea of Halloween fun might not be someone else’s.

"Avoid calling at people’s houses when trick-or-treating if you aren’t sure they’d like to join in with Halloween.

READ MORE: Halloween events across BCP and Dorset this month

"As a rule of thumb, if they’ve got decorations outside their house then they’ll probably be open to trick-or-treaters. But if the curtains are closed and the house is dark, keep on walking.

"Some people might be distressed by strangers knocking on their door after dark. Be considerate of others and, if in doubt, stick to the houses of people you know.

"Want visitors? Download a poster to print and colour in www.dorset.police.uk/halloween"