A MAJOR crackdown on Hallowe’en hooligans is being launched in a bid to stop yobs using the festivities as an excuse to torment residents.

Extra police patrols are being run in communities across East Lancashire to thwart those abusing the trick or treat tradition.

Shopkeepers are being warned not to sell flour and eggs to teens in a bid to stop the items being thrown over people.

And older youths ‘behaving inappropriately’ will have Hallowe’en masks removed so their faces are not hidden.

‘No trick or treat’ posters have been handed out for residents to display if they do not want to be bothered.

Youths are being warned action will be taken if they knock on those doors.

Alarms, locks and spy holes are also being offered to elderly residents in a bid to make them feel safer.

Sergeant Mark Wilson said police operations had been increased this year because the festivities ran over a weekend.

He said: “Hallowe’en is renowned for the trick or treat tradition and whilst we don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun, we want everyone to be safe and feel safe.

“We are aware that some of our more vulnerable and elderly members of the community feel apprehensive at this time of year and I hope they are reassured by this additional police activity.”

Police said this time of year typically saw a rise in anti-social incidents and officers in East Lancashire said they would be aiming to reduce crime and disorder ranging from the misuse of fireworks to criminal damage.

‘Operation Hallowe’en’ will see extra police and council officials join forces with firefighters and local housing associations in a bid to beat the yobs.

Officers will also take misbehaving children, up to the age of 18, off the streets and back to their parents.

Diversional activities have been arranged, including street soccer projects at Holy Trinity School in Olive Lane, Darwen and St Bede’s in Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.

Community safety officers will approach youngsters on the street and ask them to take part in the football competitions which run on both Friday and Saturday between 6pm and 9pm.

Alcohol will be confiscated from underage drinkers, while young people ‘at risk’ of becoming involved in crime are expected to be removed from the streets and taken to a place of safety where parents will be called.

Coun John Slater said: “The activities planned for the weekend are all aimed at engaging with young people on the streets to try to stop incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Hallowe’en is a fun time but anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”