POLICE are to crack down on yobs who create Hallowe'en hell for residents.

Inspector Tony Rudd has promised extra patrols and is looking at legislation which will allow police to prosecute parents who fail to control unruly children.

Insp Rudd, who is in charge of policing for most residential districts of Weymouth and Portland, said some youngsters used trick or treating on Hallowe'en as an excuse to indulge in anti-social behaviour.

Last Hallowe'en Dorset Police received more than 100 calls reporting incidents of drunkenness, assault, abusive behaviour, criminal damage and arson.

Insp Rudd said West Weymouth police will have a minimum of an extra nine officers on patrol in the week leading up to October 31.

The Hallowe'en beat team, made up of regular police officers, community support officers and Special Constables, is being set up to tackle the yobs.

Insp Rudd said: "I am a big supporter of young people but this initiative is not about persecuting them.

"This is about getting a message over to a small percentage of people who for one reason or another are intent on disregarding the feelings and rights of others.

"I will be looking to make examples of those people that don't get the message in order to deter others from following the same path. I'm also looking at legislation available to me so that I can take action against the parents of anti-social individuals."

"I know that most parents take a responsible attitude but there are some who have no idea what their children are getting up to at night. They have a duty to ensure their children do not behave in an anti-social manner."

Police will be going into school assemblies to warn children and will also be advising shopkeepers not to sell eggs and flour to young people.

Specially-produced leaflets giving Hallowe'en safety advice are being distributed by police and will be available at police stations and supermarkets. The leaflet includes a sign which can be posted in windows requesting trick or treaters to stay away.

Insp Rudd said it was important that residents tell the police about anything that happens to them as the information will be collated by the Hallowe'en beat team.

Insp Rudd said: "I understand the frustrations people have in contacting the police at busy periods but it's important that they continue to let us know in order that we can be aware of problems and direct resources to it. I make a plea to young people not to let themselves and their peers down this Hallowe'en and to parents to please take responsibility for their children's actions."

West Weymouth police can be contacted on 01305 767474.