TROUBLE makers are being warned to be on their best behaviour in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Incidents of anti-social behaviour, youth nuisance, criminal damage and numbers of illegal fires traditionally increase at this time of year so police have been planning for the event in the months leading up to this weekend.

Ch Insp Jon Ward said: “We know that the majority of people enjoy this time of year sensibly and we are not out to spoil their fun but, unfortunately, there is a minority of people who use the occasion as an excuse for anti-social and criminal behaviour – for example nuisance bonfires, misuse of fireworks and deliberate fires.”

Neighbourhood policing teams will be carrying out high-visibility patrols during the weekend. Parents are being encouraged to take responsibility for their children and to make sure they know where they are.

Police are also encouraging people to attend official firework displays and to not leave wheelie bins on the streets before and after collections.

Call the police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 to report any crime.