Dunedin police are urging the public to act responsibly during Halloween and Guy Fawkes celebrations.
Senior Sergeant Chris George, of Dunedin, said police would encourage adults to accompany children "trick or treating" around the city during tonight's Halloween celebrations.
"We would definitely encourage adults go with their children. There's not only the risk of contact with unknown people but with excited kids there's also the chance some tricks can be over the top.
"Anecdotally, there have been incidents in the past. While they are very few, things do happen now and again," he said.
Dunedin police are also urging the public to act responsibly during Guy Fawkes celebrations next week.
"It's important people think about their own safety and how their actions affect the safety of others. My advice is to engage the brain early and think about safety issues," Dunedin police emergency response commander Inspector Alastair Dickie said.
Parents should ensure children could not access fireworks before the November 5 celebrations.
Adults should supervise children, preferably at a supervised event, Insp Dickie said.
While there were very few Guy Fawkes celebration-related offences in Dunedin last year, the number of emergency services callouts police, fire and ambulance attended often varied in relation to the weather, he said.
Inappropriate use of fireworks could result in a range of charges being laid.
Police were also reminding retailers it was illegal to sell fireworks before November 3, or to sell fireworks to anyone under 14.
