POLICE last night pleaded with parents to stop their children taking out eggs or flour on the region’s famous mischief night.

Merseyside Police is encouraging young people and their families to consider others within the community while enjoying themselves as Halloween and Bonfire Night approaches, and activities are being organised across Merseyside to prevent trouble.

Although the season represents fun for many, it is also a time that can scare some local residents and cause problems for the emergency services, with the main reason for calls to police during Halloween being anti-social behaviour by young people.

Many of the incidents involve youths possessing fireworks, throwing eggs and shouting verbal abuse.

However, this year local councils, emergency services and youth organisations have joined forces to make sure the fun does not escalate into trouble.

Dedicated Neighbourhood and Schools Officers along with Community Support Officers are involved in providing a number of activities, including spooky walks, fireworks displays and treasure trails.

The operation also includes placing police officers in plain clothes on “Trojan” buses, taxis and fire engines in an effort to deter and target offenders responsible for anti-social behaviour.

Plans are also under way to crack down on the criminal sale and use of fireworks, with authorities visiting retailers to ensure firework legislation is both understood and followed.

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Matthews said: “While the vast majority of young people have respect for others and their property, the antics of some can quickly go beyond fun and turns into something which frightens the elderly and more vulnerable members of our community and affects the quality of life for local people.

“We have been working with schools in the borough to talk to young people about good citizenship and warn of the dangers of fireworks and the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

“However, the support of parents is vital. Don't let your children hang around the streets with nowhere to go.

“Know who they are with and what they are doing, especially in the run-up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

“By taking these simple steps, it could prevent that knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or, worse still, has been involved in a serious accident.”

lizawilliams