Pranksters have been warned by York police that disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated this Hallowe'en and extra officers are being brought in to patrol the city's streets.

Police chiefs will be drafting in more officers tomorrow as hundreds of youngsters are expected to take part in the annual festival.

They have warned that the event is not an excuse for unruly behaviour and any complaints from residents will be treated seriously.

Parents have also been asked to be aware that their children may be putting themselves at risk by approaching strangers.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said Hallowe'en was being marked by an increasing number of problems each year as it became more popular with young people.

He said: "Children should be aware that if they do create a nuisance or cause damage then it will be dealt with as a police matter.

"Hallowe'en is not an excuse for causing mayhem or reason to commit any form of damage or disruption to people's lives."

Tony Lidgate, of North Yorkshire Police, said there was a fine line between the tradition of "trick or treat" and demanding money with menace.

He asked parents to consider accompanying their children or to remind older children that elderly and vulnerable people could feel intimidated by their actions.

He said: "I would strongly urge any parent to go with their children - it will not spoil their fun and they will be safe. It may also reassure people whose doors they knock on."

Police in East Yorkshire have also warned youngsters to avoid trouble while trick or treating this Hallowe'en.

A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: "While police would not wish to spoil their fun, we would advise youngsters to be responsible and careful when knocking at doors.

"We suggest they do not approach areas they are unfamiliar with, and never to enter homes of people they do not know."

Updated: 13:04 Wednesday, October 30, 2002