TROUBLE-makers in the borough are being warned that the only tricks they face being treated to this Halloween and Bonfire Night are £80 on-the-spot fines, arrest and a criminal record.

Over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, police say anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, arson and firework-related incidents rocket with nearly 30,000 incidents, an increase of 22 per cent.

In a new bid to crackdown on Halloween terror for residents, police have mounted a major operation which will last until next Tuesday, November 6. It will see officers working with the fire service, Trading Standards, local authorities and environmental teams to combat the problems this time of year brings.

Officers will patrol hotspot areas, there will be dedicated firework safety patrol vehicles fitted with video surveillance equipment, test purchases will be carried out at off-licences to stop underage drinking and truancy sweeps will run.

Four dedicated control rooms have also been set up that will deal with incidents and calls from worried residents and monitor CCTV cameras across the region.

Anyone found to be harassing or intimidating people, playing with eggs and flour, or vandalising property will face police action. New legislation will also mean that those under 18 face an £80 fine if they are in possession of a firework.

Leading up to the crackdown letters have also been sent to previous troublemakers and school-based officers have been giving inputs at schools. In addition posters and leaflets have been distributed warning people of the consequences of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

Officers have also been handing out posters to residents that they can display in their windows informing trick or treaters whether they are welcome or not.