POLICE in Newport are taking a tough stance against young troublemakers in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour during the build-up to Halloween.

Extra beat officers are being planned across the city and police have also been visiting schools to speak directly to pupils about the problems caused by disorderly youths over the period.

In recent years the days leading up to Halloween have been among the busiest of the year for police in Newport as they deal with complaints about gangs of youths letting off fireworks in the street and throwing eggs and flour.

Police are now taking proactive steps in a bid to eliminate the problem before it begins by liaising with schools and shops.

Extra patrols have already been stepped up in some parts of Newport following rising complaints about fireworks being set off.

And police are appealing for the co-operation of shopkeepers in a bid to stop the problems.

PC Eddie Evans, from Bettws police station, said: "We are pleased to see a large number of shops are not even selling fireworks this year.

"We are investigating reports that fireworks have come in to the hands of people through other means.

"We will be stepping up patrols, and I have spoken to every shop in the Malpas, Bassaleg, Rogerstone and Bettws areas, and they have all agreed not to sell eggs and flour to young people.

"We have no problem with parents taking their young children out trick or treating. Our concern is that some older youths use Halloween as an excuse for unruly and disorderly behaviour, and distressi the residents.

We have asked local shops to display posters in their windows, highlighting the problem."