To many it is an evening of harmless make-believe fun – with parties, pumpkins and tasty treats.

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But while Halloween is on the whole a family friendly celebration, new statistics lay bare the fact that for some it is a time to make mischief, behave badly and commit crime.

Police figures for Suffolk and Essex show that Halloween can bring a significant increase in crime, with major spikes in even the most serious offences.

Both counties’ forces say they have robust plans to cope with the added demand placed upon them, including educating young people and increasing patrols.

We used the Freedom of Information Act to compare crime figures for the past five Halloweens, with the same days of the previous weeks in that year.

It showed that the number of Suffolk Constabulary arrests for public order offences were 37 during Halloween and 19 for the period before – a 95% rise.

Overall, the total number of arrests in Suffolk rose by more than 30%.

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While the majority of arrests involved suspected offenders in the 18-35 age brackets, the greatest increase was amongst younger people. A total of 45 children have been arrested in Suffolk over the past five Halloweens – up 80% on the number detained on the weeks previous. The youngest person arrested was 13-years-old.

Chief Inspector Matthew Rose said officers worked with schools to educate children about the impact of anti-social behaviour and also advised shopkeepers not to sell items to youngsters that can be used to cause trouble at Halloween.

“We really hope people enjoy the night but we also want to see them acting responsibly,” he added. “We understand that not everyone enjoys Halloween as much as others and appreciate it can be distressing for those who don’t want to be involved to have people in masks knocking at their door.”

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: “Trick-or-treating can be great fun, and I don’t want to spoil that fun, but I would ask that those taking part keep themselves safe and be respectful to others.”

Although much of the spike was accounted for by nuisance behaviour, there were also significant increases under more serious categories of crime.

There were 10 arrests for sexual offences in Suffolk over the past five Halloweens compared with two on the same days of the previous weeks. The number of arrests for drug offences also increased from seven to 16.

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Chief Insp Rose warned that the “low base of figures” made accurate comparisons for particular crimes difficult and stressed that Suffolk remains a “very safe county”.

“It should also be recognised that these are often busy party nights, with more people out about as part of the night-time economy than an average evening, and this, along with a larger police presence, may contribute to more arrests being made,” he added.

Overall, Suffolk police received 21% more 999 calls over Halloween 2014 compared with the week previous.

In Essex, the number of calls increased by 27% at Halloween compared with the same day of the previous weeks. The call volume has decreased over time, however, from a peak of 1,607 during Halloween 2010 to 1,484 last year.

The most significant increase in reports made to the police in Essex were of firework complaints, which increased from 26 to 282 – a rise of 1,085%. Reports of nuisance involving youths increased from 163 to 637 while the number or robberies trebled from nine to 27.

Essex Police also works with schools and shopkeepers in the run-up to Halloween and encourages parents to make sure they do not go trick or treating alone or to knock on strangers’ doors.

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Inspector Paul Seabright said: “We understand that children and young people find this time of year exciting and fun.

“However many members of your community find Halloween and Bonfire Night very stressful.

“It’s important that all of us consider the feelings and needs of the most vulnerable in our towns and villages. What might seem like fun and being mischievous to young people can be frightening for others.”

The ambulance service also saw an increase in demand over Halloween recording 16% more calls in Suffolk compared with the same day of the previous week. In Essex the difference was only 1%, however.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust urged people taking part in Halloween events to stay safe and know their limits if they are going out drinking and to plan in advance how they are getting home.

“We’d also urge trick or treaters to wrap up warm and to keep naked flames away from children and their fancy dress clothes,” the spokesman added.

People with concerns during Halloween are advised to call 101 or if they believe a criminal offence is being committed to dial 999.

Businesses welcome Halloween’s marketing opportunities

Businesses say they welcome the marketing opportunities brought by Halloween, despite the concerns over crime.

Lowestoft Vision – the town’s business improvement district – will be following last year’s Halloween promotion with a programme of entertainment for visitors including free children’s craft activities and a “spooky town parade”.

More than 60 businesses in the town are taking part in a trail offering free trick or treating to children under 12 in fancy dress on the day.

Darren Newman Lowestoft Vision BID Manager said: “Our Halloween activity allows us to attract new shoppers into town, our fun activities will help to increase footfall into the town and support local business.”

According to market research company Mintel, sales of Halloween related products reached £230 million across the UK in 2013 and was expected to increase last year.

An estimated 43% of the population made a Halloween related purchase, rising to 58% in those aged 16-24.

John Mercer, senior European retail analyst at Mintel, said: “Halloween is firmly established on the retail calendar and continues to grow in importance, but it is an event marked by frugal shopping from consumers: average spend is low and confectionery is by far the most popular category to spend on.”

Trading Standards play lead role in making it safe

Tests are being carried out on children’s fancy-dress costumes in Suffolk this Halloween to ensure they comply with fire safety risks.

Suffolk Trading Standards will be leading the operation in a bid to curb the number of people suffering from burns after accidents in which fireworks or candles set fire to their costumers or hair.

The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, along with Trading Standards, are also calling for regulations to be stepped up so that fancy dress costumes are subject to the same safety standards and children’s nightclothes.

Councillor Matthew Hicks Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: “We want the people of Suffolk to celebrate and enjoy Halloween and bonfire night and would appeal to them to take care.

“Fireworks and bonfires can of course be dangerous but by following common sense and safety advice from our police and Trading Standards the risks can be greatly reduced as we want them to celebrate safely.”

Origins of Halloween

The origins of Halloween are thought to come from the Celtic festival of Samhain around 2,000 years ago.

Falling on the night before Celtic New Year, Samhain marked the change from summer into winter at a time when the cold dark nights were associated with death.

Celts thought this period saw the worlds of the living and dead come together, with ghosts returning to earth to make mischief for the living.

After the Romans conquered much of the Celtic territories, Halloween took on two of their festivals: Feralia, which marked the passing of the dead; and another honouring Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees. It is from here that the practice of apple-bobbing is thought to arise.

Christianity brought more changes to Halloween when it became linked with All Saints Day also known as All Hallows.

Modern Halloween celebrations owe much to America where the festivals of different European cultures combined with the arrival of millions of migrants in the 19th century.

For some safe, fun Halloween activities, see here