YOUNG people are being warned that a range of initiatives have been put in place to prevent them taking part in Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night pranks.

Police have been working with local businesses to ensure the youngsters in Saltburn, Marske and New Marske are not taking any risks with their behaviour.

Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) Officers, along with Trading Standards and Cleveland Fire Brigade, want to educate and advise young residents about anti-social behaviour (ASB) and the dangers of fireworks and fires.

Earlier this month, trading standards officers and police visited local shops and off licences who sell fireworks, alcohol and items such as eggs and flour to ask them not to sell these items to children or youngsters - or to people they believe are buying them on their behalf.

Neighbourhood officer Tracee Hall-Young will also coordinate a team as they spruce up Saltburn by removing graffiti and taking away piles of litter so they cannot be set alight.

Sergeant Barry Plumpton said: “We want to ensure our young people are safe but we also need to send out a clear message that antisocial behaviour – in any form – simply will not be tolerated. 

“This is a very busy time for Cleveland Police and for our partners as the thoughtless actions of a small minority can spoil things for the law abiding majority.

“We always appreciate the public’s help and cooperation and I would ask parents and carers to keep an eye on their children and teenagers – be aware of where they are, who they are with and what they are doing at all times.”