Two hundred Police officers will be out on Bermuda's streets tonight as the Service takes a hard-line stance against Hallowe'en troublemakers.

Anyone committing an offence will be arrested on the spot and held in cells overnight before appearing in court tomorrow.

Masked youths suspected of causing trouble will also be searched by Police who will be out in cars as well as on foot patrol.

The measures were announced yesterday by Police Commissioner Colin Coxall who said he was determined to protect the community.

"We want to create a safe environment for the community to enjoy Hallowe'en.

I am determined to stop irresponsible and loutish behaviour,'' said Mr.

Coxall.

Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness also appealed for a trouble-free Hallowe'en and called on parents and young people to ensure a safe night.

"This is a small community. All of us depend on one another to behave reasonably for the well-being of our society as a whole. Let this be a Hallowe'en free from vandalism.'' Hallowe'en has been marred in recent years by youths throwing rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails at Police and property. Groups of youths started fires and attacked buses last year.

Tonight buses will make their last runs at 5.15 p.m. -- meaning they will be off the road by about 6 p.m.

Herman Basden, Public Transportation Board director, said he received a letter from the bus operators Allied Workers Division saying members would run the last service at 5.15 p.m.

"I understand their reasons,'' said Mr. Basden. "But we should show these hooligans that we are going to maintain our community and we should show some support for the men and women of the Police Service.'' Yesterday, Mr. Coxall added: "There was some totally unacceptable behaviour last year with youths meeting around the Island carrying offensive weapons, throwing Molotov cocktails and damaging property.

"I am determined that this behaviour will not be allowed to happen again this year. I regard myself as having a clear duty to protect the community from loutish behaviour by a minority.'' The Commissioner said 200 officers, including reserve Police, will patrol Bermuda tonight taking a no-nonsense approach towards troublemakers.

"Any masked youths who are not involved in innocent behaviour will be stopped and searched.

"Youths will be arrested, charged, held in custody overnight and put before the courts the following morning, there will be no cautions. Anyone committing an offence will be prosecuted.'' said Mr. Coxall.

"I would appeal to parents to prevent young people going out in the community and behaving in this offensive fashion.'' Acting Assistant Commissioner Vic Richmond called on members of the public to tell Police if they discovered stockpiles of rocks, bottles or Molotov cocktails.

He also asked gas station operators to refuse to sell cans and bottles of gasoline to anyone acting suspiciously.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Richmond also announced that Clearwater Beach would be closed to the public from 4 p.m.

He added: "People might find that this is a hard-line approach by the Police and there is no doubt that it is, but it is for the protection of the public and particularly children.

"We want to get Hallowe'en back to what it used to be, a fun time for the people of this Island.'' Mr. Edness added: "Hallowe'en is a time for young children to have some good healthy fun and it is a time for the rest of us to show our generosity and our goodwill towards children.

"It is not a time when older children can do what they want, without regard to how much damage and distress they cause to other people.''