POLICE have pledged they will be clamping down on pranksters who use Hallowe'en as an excuse to wreak havoc.

Kendal police bosses have warned that local officers will be "upping the ante" during the mischief period' around Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night when there is traditionally an upsurge in nuisance behaviour.

Inspector Ian Carruthers said: "Officers are going to be out specifically looking for youth disturbance as part of the ongoing Operation Smart. We will be upping the ante, particularly in the week coming up to Hallowe'en half-term when the schools will be off."

Officers will also be visiting local shopkeepers, he said, to warn them of the potential problems involved in selling fireworks, as well flour and eggs, to groups of youths.

The move coincides with tough new firework laws which make it illegal for minors to carry or use fireworks in a public place, and include a new fireworks' curfew and on-the-spot fines.

Crime prevention officer for Cumbria police Terry Belshaw explained that nuisance behaviour around Hallowe'en had become a problem, particularly in recent years.

"In years gone by it used to be people getting dressed up, as in monster' clothing, and walking around with lanterns. Then the American take of Hallowe'en came over and we started seeing trick or treating," he said.

"We are now getting examples of active vandalism and damage. A lot of people seem to take pleasure in throwing eggs over houses and cars, which is very difficult to clear up, and throwing fireworks about.

"These sorts of incidents mainly happen on estates, where we get large groups of children or youths who tend to congregate together and roam about.

"We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, as the people responsible are usually a minority. But we want people to be aware," he said. He added that people should regard trick or treaters with suspicion and remember to fasten the door chain before opening the door. Shopkeepers selling eggs, flour and fireworks should also be aware of who was buying them.

As well as keeping a watchful eye out on the beat, officers will also be calling into schools as part of an ongoing programme to stamp out youth disturbance.

But South Lakeland district councillor Simon Butterfield said that boredom was the chief reason behind nuisance behaviour during the mischief' period.

"I do feel for the young people in the area because there isn't a lot of things for young people to do without having to pay.

"Where are they expected to go at the end of the day? I think it is a real shame."

What do you think? Are Bonfire Night and Hallowe'en becoming an excuse for young people to cause problems and, if so, is this because of a lack of opportunities for young people? Write to Letters to the Editor, South Lakes Citizen, 1 Wainwright's Yard, Kendal, Westmorland LA9 4DP, or email your views to gillian.cowburn@kendal. newsquest.co.uk or post in the comments section below.

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