POLICE in East Yorkshire are warning Hallowe’en revellers that mischief can bring misery.

The Pocklington and Wolds Weighton Neighbourhood Policing Team will unveil a campaign later this month focusing on how antisocial behaviour problems can surround the annual spooky festivities.

Officers say the fun of Hallowe’en in the Pocklington, Stamford Bridge and Market Weighton area has been marred in recent years by yobs throwing eggs and flour at houses and damaging property.

The Your Mischief, Their Misery initiative will be launched next Monday. It will include a poster and leaflet campaign highlighting the problems which have been experienced in the past and high-visibility police patrols.

The neighbourhood policing team will also visit shops in an attempt to discourage them from selling eggs and flour to children and young people over the Hallowe’en period. The campaign will run until November 6 and also target any disorder arising from Mischief Night and Bonfire Night.

“We want to put out a very strong message to that minority of young people tempted to take part in this kind of activity, which is basically to use your head and don’t do it,” said Sergeant Pete Rogers, of the Pocklington policing team.

“To those who are involved, we would ask them to think how they would feel if the victim was from their family, or if it was their house or car which had been covered in eggs and flour, which can permanently damage a vehicle’s paintwork.

“We are also asking parents and carers whether they know where their children are and what they are doing. We need people’s help and want them to be aware and responsible, and this issue of responsibility also applies to shopkeepers and supermarket staff.”

Sgt Rogers said the problems were caused by a minority of youngsters, who would be the target of the campaign. He said: “The distress and misery caused by antisocial behaviour and minor damage around Mischief Night can be traumatic for those targeted, and very often the most vulnerable people in our communities are the victims.

“This is not about fun. Very often these acts are openly malicious and property is permanently damaged. If offences are committed those responsible will be dealt with, and our patrols will be out and about ensuring that we are around to do this.”