POLICE are distributing thousands of posters across Fenland in the run-up to Halloween in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour.

Last year Cambridgeshire police received 87 ‘999’ calls between 3pm and 10pm on October 31 relating to rowdy or nuisance behaviour - compared to 26 for the same period the previous week.

Officers are urging children to behave themselves and have issued ‘no trick or treat’ posters, which can be displayed by houses who do not wish to take part in the festivities.

Posters have also been given to shops explaining that they will not be selling eggs or flour to any young people in the build-up to Hallowe’en.

Inspector Ian Ford said: “We will be increasing our patrols on the evening to ensure minimal disruption.

“We want everyone taking part to enjoy themselves but not at the expense of others.

“If children see the ‘no trick or treat’ posters I would urge them not to knock on the door and if people say they are not interested to respect that.”