Would-be Halloween hooligans have been warned to think twice about misbehaving as the backbone of the Bermuda Police Service will be mobilised during the next 24 hours.

Last year, through high visibility patrols and cooperation from the public, Police saw a reduction in the number of incidents involving Molotov cocktails and acts of vandalism.

Reservists patrol buses and other public places in order to serve as a deterrent, Police chief inspector Martin Weekes said. Insp. Weekes stated: "We have been giving advice at schools, some of our officers have been attending assemblies this week in the primary and middle schools, giving information on safety issues.

"Issues such as florescent strips on children's costumes, only going trick-or-treating with a family member or an adult, have been mentioned."

He also encouraged motorists to be cautious while travelling on roads and in neighbourhoods tonight, as some children will be wearing dark costumes, reducing their visibility.

"We're encouraging everyone to be very careful when manoeuvring through our roads, particularly neighbourhoods," he added.

Those thinking about throwing eggs and missiles as pranks, must understand the danger of doing so, Insp. Weekes stressed, as it could result in someone suffering serious injury.

Furthermore, those caught by Police engaging in anti social behaviour will find themselves "suffering the consequences" and arrested, to be brought before the courts.

"We intend to apprehend these people and they will be taken to court," Insp. Weekes warned. "They will suffer the consequences, it will not be treated as high jinx, we treat this very seriously.

"It's only a matter of time before somebody suffers a serious injury when something is thrown at them while they're driving a car or bike ¿ so far, we've been very lucky this has not happened."

Additionally, parents, shopkeepers, and gas station personnel are being urged to be on the lookout for people who are buying large amounts of gasoline or large amounts of eggs, Police appealed.

The hurling of eggs are of particular concern to Police, who are asking all community partners to discourage such behaviour by not selling large amounts of eggs to young people.

"Our community partners can discourage this behaviour by not selling things to people that are clearly going to be used as projectiles," Insp. Weekes advised.