POLICE revealed today they are planning their biggest deployment of staff to prevent trouble in York on Mischief Night.

They also praised stores which are banning youngsters from buying eggs and flour - traditionally used by generations of children to create mischief in Yorkshire on November 4.

Sergeant Mike Stubbs, of York Police's Neighbourhood Policing Team, said a small minority of youths used Mischief Night, and also Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night, to cause disorder and damage.

"But the fact that it is Hallowe'en, Mischief Night or Bonfire Night is not an excuse for criminal behaviour and we will treat offences on these nights just as seriously as we do every other night of the year."

He said about 40 extra police officers and staff would be out on the streets on the three occasions, providing high visibility policing, to combat any such antisocial behaviour.

He said neighbourhood police officers, police community support officers (PSCOs) and special constables would all be involved in patrols across the city to deter potential troublemakers.

"Every available member of staff from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be working on those evenings to support the reactive policing team," he said.

"Together with the special constables, this will put around 40 extra police and police staff on the streets."

He said he hoped everyone would enjoy the evenings in the spirit they were meant to be enjoyed, adding: "I would ask parents to ensure that their children's behaviour does not cause concern or anguish to other members of the community."

His comments came after ASDA said staff were being asked not to sell eggs and flour to suspicious groups of youngsters under 16 at all its stores, including the one at Monks Cross, in response to calls from customers worried that the trick-or-treat fun pranks had turned into an excuse for yobbery.

Sgt Stubbs said other local convenience stores in the York area had also agreed not to sell flour and eggs to youngsters.

Meanwhile, police are planning to join forces with Molys Kitchen, the youth club based at Dringhouses, in York, to stage another barbecue on Mischief Night in an effort to keep kids out of trouble, following the success of a similar venture last year. More than 50 children went along to the "sausage sizzle" last year and an even bigger and better event is planned this year.

Do you know the origins of Mischief Night? If so, phone Mike Laycock on 01904 567132 or send an email to mike.laycock@ycp.co.uk.

Updated: 12:41 Tuesday, October 25, 2005