Police today sent out an early warning shot to Castle Point parents whose children are likely to cause havoc on Halloween.

Insp Andy Parkman said the Rayleigh police division, which covers the borough, didn't want to be party poopers but said last year's amount of public order offences on October 31 was unacceptable.

He told how a total of 51 reports of nuisance behaviour was reported to officers compared to the "odd five or six" incidents on an average evening.

Mr Parkman said: "We are launching a two pronged appeal. Parents need to make sure their kids are safe on the night and secondly need to ensure their youngsters don't cause annoyance or anxiety to others."

Published Monday October 14, 2002

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