Extra officers are to be drafted into Northampton town centre this weekend to make sure Halloween fun does not spill into disorder and anti-social behaviour.
Police across Northamptonshire have also been taking crime prevention and safety messages into the classroom before the school half-term holidays, next week.
Safer Community teams have been “working closely” with schools to ensure kids know the pitfalls of trick or treating, while extra patrols have been organised to deal with any problems this weekend.
Inspector Jen Helm, of the south-west sector in Northampton, said: “We have been working closely with schools in our area and we are focusing on our hotspot areas and vulnerable residents.
“We expect 99 per cent of people to respect the wishes of others and still enjoy themselves, but we will come down hard on those who choose to behave anti-socially.
“Please let us know if there are issues in your community and we will send out dedicated officers to deal.”
Inspector Dave Rayfield, of Northampton’s central sector, added: “We will have extra resources on duty in the centre of Northampton to basically provide a response to any unwanted issues of anti social behaviour.
“We would encourage people to enjoy both the Bonfire and Halloween celebrations but to do so in a way that is respectful and considerate to all sections of the community.”
Increased patrols in anti-social behaviour hotspot areas will take place in Daventry.
Inspector Dave Spencer said: “Extra officers will be out and about in locations where incidents have been prevalent in the past and we will be making sure young children stay safe in the days ahead.
“But our key message is around responsibility, and it is a message that applies to parents and local traders as well as the children themselves.”
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