Hallowe'en celebrations.

Officers have come across the simple homemade weapon which can fire a marble or ball bearing at some force.

And Community Relations Officer Sgt. John Dale believes it could cause serious damage if fired at someone's eye.

Sgt. Dale said: "It is made quite simply of a piece of conduit piping with the finger of a domestic rubber glove taped to one end.

"When the missile is discharged it is able to leave the end of the tube with quite some force. While it might not penetrate the skin, it could cause discomfort and most certainly eye damage if fired at someone's face. The missile can easily penetrate glass.

"There is no logical need for any person to be in possession of such a weapon.'' In fact Sgt. Dale pointed out that anyone found in possession of the catapult would be guilty of a misdemeanour and could face up to a year in prison or a $600 fine.

A Police officer may also search, without warrant, anyone they believe to have one of these weapons on their person.

He said: "We believe that some youths have already made these sort of weapons and intend to use them at Hallowe'en.

"All Police officers working at Hallowe'en have been notified about this offensive weapon and will be taking action where appropriate.

"However, we want to encourage people to be more responsible and see the dangers that these and other damage-causing objects and gadgets can create.

"To parents, brothers and sisters -- please make sure that anyone in your household does not make or use one of these.'' HOME-MADE THREAT -- Police Sgt. John Dale demonstrates how the new weapon, found recently in Bermuda, is fired.