Police have pledged to step up patrols and take a zero tolerance to crime over Halloween.At a press conference yesterday Acting Superintendent Na’imah Astwood, of the Community Policing Division, and Acting Chief Inspector Troy Glasgow, of the Public Protection Department, said the public would see a “very strong and proactive policing presence across the Island”.Acting Supt Astwood said: “This year there is speculation and concern in the community that gangs will exploit Halloween as an excuse for criminality and spoil the fun for the wider law-abiding community. The Bermuda Police Service is also mindful that the event has in the past attracted a large number of other disorder and public nuisance offences as well as drinking and driving.“Let me be very clear that the Bermuda Police Service will be working hard throughout the entire weekend and beyond to make Bermuda safer. Our officers, supported by the Bermuda Reserve Police will be on the streets in large numbers to deter offenders as well as to mount a robust response to any incidents — including those involving firearms.“Although the Bermuda Police Service is well positioned to deal with Halloween from an enforcement perspective I really want to take this opportunity to appeal to the public to do your part to preserve the safety and security of everyone. This should be a fun event. Let’s also make it a safe event.”Acting Chf Insp Glasgow said police would use stop and search powers and powers allowing them to ask people to remove masks “where there is reasonable grounds to suspect that the person has committed or is about to commit an arrestable offence”.While the celebrations begin this weekend, patrols will be carried out until October 31.“We ask for your patience and support as we work towards ensuring a safe event for the duration of the Halloween weekend. Your patience is requested in the event that you are inconvenienced by those operations. Your support is solicited by letting us know if you see offences being committed or trouble developing,” he added.Parents were also asked to keep an eye on their children and the use of eggs and other edible goods that have been used as missiles in past years.“Working in partnership with the community, the Bermuda Police Service asks that parents, shopkeepers and gas station owners/operators be wary of persons particularly those young in age who attempt to purchase large quantities of eggs and/or gasoline.“Though you may consider them as everyday items, historically they have been used as missiles/weapons towards police, members of the public and property.“We ask that persons walking along the main roads with young children wear brightly coloured clothing and we strongly encourage the use of flashlights during the hours of darkness. Young children should be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian whilst out ‘trick or treating’.”