determined to eradicate any unruly behaviour in the days leading up to next Saturday.

It came days after a rash of bus battles and skirmishes between rival groups of students.

But there was also a message to the hundreds of parents who didn't attend the meeting at CedarBridge last night -- that they should take responsibility for their offspring and their actions.

The meeting, which was only attended by around 30 people but was open to all parents, heard how parents had discovered caches of missiles hidden by youngsters in readiness for October 31.

CedarBridge Parent Teacher Association chairman Patricia Basden said parents had found frozen oranges, batteries and eggs stored in anticipation of the big night.

But Assistant Police Commissioner Alan Bissell said 200 officers would be on duty on Hallowe'en and added that measures to combat trouble on the school buses would hopefully stop a rise in disruption.

"Bus drivers are very concerned about throwing items, particularly as it can cause drivers to lose control and the consequences could be horrendous,'' he said.

CedarBridge Principal Ernest Payette revealed a host of measures to deal with troublemakers.

Some students, concerned about the behaviour of a minority, are to act as eyes and ears on buses, reporting back to teachers on any altercations.

Minor troublemakers identified will be dealt with through the academy's discipline system. Serious misbehaviour will result in action such as a loss of privileges or even suspension.

And the worst cases of damage could end up with the retribution on the culprits -- in the form of cleaning, paying for repairs or making good their destruction.

In addition an army of parents -- supplemented by plain clothed policemen -- will ride on buses and supervise students.

"We want students to learn appropriate behaviour and also understand if they create a dangerous situation then they are responsible for the consequences.'' EDUCATION ED CRIME CRM