DYFED-Powys Police is urging parents to ensure their children are not little monsters when they go trick or treating this Hallowe'en.

The force has launched Op BANG – be a nice guy, which aims to tackle antisocial behaviour over Halloween and bonfire night.

Neighbourhood policing teams will increase their patrols in the lead-up to, and on, Halloween and bonfire night, which this year fall within school half term.

They will also be speaking with children and young people at school assemblies and youth clubs, advising them how to act lawfully and responsibly.

Officers are reminding youngsters that some people do not like unknown callers at their door, and will be handing out posters to people who do not want trick or treaters to knock.

Shop owners can also display posters reminding that eggs and flour will not be sold to people aged under 18 over the next few weeks.

Chief Inspector Richard Hopkin, Community Safety Support Team, said: “While Halloween can undoubtedly be a great deal of fun, it can also be a particularly distressing time of year for some of the more vulnerable members of our communities, especially the elderly who might not want trick or treaters at their door.

"We don’t want people’s enjoyment to get out of hand and cause people to feel threatened in their own home.

"I would therefore urge trick or treaters, and parents out with children not to knock on doors where the poster is displayed.

“To reassure residents we will be increasing patrols to enable us to react quickly to anyone who uses Halloween or bonfire night as an excuse to commit antisocial behaviour. If this is the case we encourage them to call us on 999 if it is an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies.”