Police.

And a force spokesman warned: "This year, as in the past, Police will be mounting extra patrols which will include personnel from specialist divisions.

He added: "Anyone wearing a mask and not taking part in a recognised costume function will be stopped, identified, searched, details noted and passed to ComOps for further checking.'' The spokesman said that Hallowe'en had been used as an excuse for troublemakers in the past and that there had been injury to people and damage to property.

But he added: "We would encourage all persons who intend to participate in Hallowe'en to help make it a safe and enjoyable one -- especially for the children who will be `trick or treating'.'' The news came as Police issued a six-point series of tips to allow youngsters to enjoy trouble-free trick or treating.

And they urged parents to hammer home Police advice in the run-up to Hallowe'en.

A Police spokesman said Hallowe'en should be fun -- and that youngsters should not spoil it for others.

He added children should go trick or treating in small groups, with very young children accompanied by an adult.

The spokesman said that pavements should be used where possible and care used when crossing roads.

And youngsters should increase their night-time visibility by wearing light-coloured and reflective clothes and by carrying a flashlight.

Children should also walk in single file facing oncoming traffic and choose routes carefully, trying to choose well-lit streets.

And the spokesman added that drivers should be alert to the possibility of youngsters on the roads and drive carefully.

Candies handed out by householders should not be eaten before youngsters get home -- and very young children should have them checked by an adult before eating them.