Crackdown on the yobs

Hooligans making Mischief Night misery will be recorded on video, say police – who have announced their biggest clampdown yet on a period which has in recent years seen vandalism and anti-social behaviour on the borough's streets.

In the past, the lead up to Bonfire Night has even seen vandals blow up telephone booths using gunpowder from fireworks.

This year, emergency services and Doncaster Council have joined forces to try to deter youths from creating mayhem in the name of trick or treating and Mischief Night - November 4.

Shopkeepers are also being asked to play their part by refusing to sell eggs and flour to youngsters who could use them to splatter homes and cars.

Operation Mischief was launched yesterday, with the aim of improving on last year's clampdown - which resulted in a big fall in complaints about anti-social behaviour across the borough.

South Yorkshire Police have split Doncaster into eight zones, and a total of 150 officers, including community support officers and council safety wardens, will be on patrol in the lead up to November 5.

Their efforts will be concentrated on afternoon and evening patrols on Halloween, and November 2, 3 and 4.

"We are putting maximum resources into this operation and we have cancelled all leave for Safer Neighbourhood Team officers on those days," said Insp Ray Mountford, leading the operation.

For the first time, vandals will be recorded with video cameras before being taken home and the film replayed to their parents to show them what they have been up to on the streets.

A programme of diversionary activities for young people has also been arranged by the authorities in the week leading up to Bonfire Night.

"There will be loads of things for kids to do and they will be given full details at school on the Friday before, so there is no excuse that they have nothing to do," added Insp Mountford. "Hopefully we can engage with young people who might be on the cusp of criminal and anti-social behaviour.

"We saw a drop in anti-social behaviour complaints last year and we hope the trend will continue this year."

Coun Pat Haith, Doncaster Council cabinet member for neighbourhoods, housing and environment, said: "We hope these measures will keep our streets safer for residents. Last year, there were not so many complaints about fireworks in my ward and I hope that continues.

"Asking shopkeepers not to sell flour and eggs to children should also make a difference."