Police are working closely with retailers, partner agencies and community groups on a number of schemes to make sure the event is safe and fun for all.

As part of the initiative, leading supermarkets and village stores have agreed to restrict the sale of flour and eggs in the days before the event, to prevent some of the less traditional Hallowe'en-related anti-social behaviour.

Do Not Disturb posters are being issued by Safer Neighbourhood Teams for those who do not want to be called on by trick or treaters. And police have formed a link with schools to spread key safety messages to children and parents.

Lynn and West Norfolk Superintendant Nick Dean said: "A lot of hard work has gone into planning for a safe evening, both by local police teams, partner agencies, businesses and members of the community.

"There will be a zero tolerance to anti-social behaviour during the Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night period and we are working with West Norfolk Council and Trading Standards to ensure that rules around fireworks and bonfires are met.

"Hallowe'en is an event to be enjoyed by those who want to get involved without impacting on those who do not – and these are the principles that we are working to."

In addition, a number of supervised events have been organised to create a safe environment for children on the night.

These include free Hallowe'en discos for children aged between five and nine and between 10 and 15 living in Fairstead, Lynn, and an organised trick or treat and fancy dress event at Lynn's Vancouver Quarter between 4pm and 6pm on Friday, October 31.

Increased Safer Neighbourhood Team patrols will also be carried out in hot spot areas and there will be a zero tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour, under-age drinking and possession of fireworks by anyone under 18.

For more information about events in your neighbourhood contact the Safer Neighbourhood Teams on 0845 456 4567.

The Hallowe'en Do Not Disturb poster can be downloaded from the website www.norfolk.police. uk

And the Lynn News will publish a cut-out Hallowe'en Do Not Disturb poster on Tuesday for readers to put in their windows.