Officers from Macclesfield Police are reminding people to be safe and sensible this Halloween.

Police Community Support Officers are in the process of paying visits to local schools, youth groups and organisations to talk to youngsters about Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Flyers have also been distributed by the force for people who do not want to deal with trick or treaters, on which they can display a yes or no message to callers.

And intelligence is also being used to concentrate policing presence in areas where antisocial behaviour has been prevalent during the night in recent years.

Inspector Steve Griffiths, head of Macclesfield police, said: “Traditionally, the number of calls received by local police increases during the Halloween and bonfire night period, and most calls relate to anti-social behaviour as a result of people causing low level nuisance for residents.

“The quality of life for our local community is of paramount importance, and my officers, special constables and PCSOs will be out in force to ensure our communities feel safe and protected.

“I also want to take the opportunity to urge parents to be aware of what your children are up to on Halloween. Accompany children trick or treating rather than letting them go on their own to make sure they are safe and not being a nuisance to others.

“We don’t want to stop the fun of the Halloween celebrations, we just want people to act responsibly and within the law.”

Antisocial behaviour is often linked to alcohol, and if youngsters are drinking on the street and congregating in public places the police have promised they will take action.

Sergeant Simon Degg, of the Community Team at Macclesfield, said: “We prepare for the Halloween weekend in conjunction with our partner agencies well in advance, with the aim of providing the communities of Macclesfield with a high visibility policing presence to help reassure residents that antisocial or criminal behaviour would not be tolerated.

“If someone has displayed no in their window we are asking that their wishes are respected.”

The flyers will be distributed across the town but are also available online at the police’s website at www.cheshire.police.uk.