EXTRA police patrols are to take to the streets of North Yorkshire in an effort to ensure Mischief Night, Halloween and Bonfire Night go as smoothly as possible.

Regular officers will be joined by part-time Specials and community support teams in high-visibility patrols in every town in the county.

They will patrol on foot and in vehicles, and will be supported by other officers checking the highways for troublemakers.

"We all know the difference between a prank and an act of vandalism," said Deputy Chief Constable Roger Baker.

"We all know the difference between a good-natured trick or treat and an ugly act of intimidation. We all know the difference between enjoying the magic of fireworks and using them as a weapon to destroy property or endanger life. The tragedy is that there is a tiny minority who know the difference between right and wrong but don't care.

"Quite simply, our job is to get out there and deal with that minority."

He said Halloween could bring fear and lead to illegal actions by those who cross the line between trick-or-treat and demanding money in a threatening manner.

And he added that Mischief Night, when youngsters have traditionally played jokes on adults, had developed a nasty streak in recent years.

"There is no humour in overturning a parked car or smashing a window, yet that is the kind of prank that the county's yob element finds entertaining," he said.

"We are not laughing, and neither will anyone we find committing any action that damages property or spreads fear."