POLICE in York are to carry out extra patrols in an effort to clamp down on antisocial behaviour in the run-up to Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night.

Patrols including police officers, PCSOs and Special Constables will tour communities around the city “to ensure that everyone feels safe, and to deal with any issues that do occur”, a police spokesman said.

The extra patrols have been set up to deal with a possible increase in antisocial behaviour around Hallowe’en, the tail end of the half-term holidays, and in the run up to Mischief Night and Bonfire Night, despite records showing trouble has fallen in this period in recent years.

On November 5, 2011, North Yorkshire Police were called out to 145 incidents, but on the same date in 2012 they were called to 97. In 2013, they were called to 99 incidents, in 2014 they were called to 93, and last year only 87 incidents were recorded by the force.

Assistant Chief Constable Lisa Winward, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Although this time of year is fun and exciting for many, there are those in our communities for whom it causes concern and increases the fear of crime.

“I would like to ask parents and guardians to speak to their children, to ensure that they understand how their actions could leave others distressed or upset. And if you know that a family member or neighbour is vulnerable, please keep an eye out for them to help prevent them from becoming concerned about being a victim of crime.”

The spokesman said officers will be working hard to ensure the trend continues this year, and the force is also working with local shopkeepers to help by asking them not to sell items such as eggs, flour or fireworks to young people who may be using them to commit antisocial behaviour.

Asst Chief Constable Winward said: “At this time of year, we work closely with the Fire and Rescue Service, and I urge people not take risks with fireworks. Anyone caught supplying fireworks to under-18s or lighting them in the street can expect to be dealt with robustly.”

Police officers will also be delivering leaflets to residents who may feel more vulnerable at this time of year, and providing them with advice and contact details for local officers. Posters are available to print out from the North Yorkshire Police website - northyorkshire.police.uk - advising people not to “trick or treat”. To report antisocial behaviour phone 101.