CHESHIRE police have warned youngsters they could face fixed penalty notices of up to £80 if they step out ofline on Halloween.

In a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour tomorrow night, pranksters have been warned they face fines if they cause disorder.

The move comes as Cheshire police reported that each year they have seen a steady increase in disorder.

A spokesman for the force said: "All police powers, including those of arrest and seizure, will be used where necessary.

"Powers which rule people must remove any items which cover their faces may also be invoked, and pro-active efforts will be made to trace the source of any booze seized from under-age drinkers.

CIn addition, officers equipped with recording equipment will be out and about along with community action team officers, police community support officers and targeted patrol teams."

Local residents have been issued with ‘No' and ‘Yes' banners to display in their windows to show whether or not they are accepting calls from trick-or-treaters.

The crackdown measures will stay in place in the run-up to Bonfire Night on Sunday. Runcorn's Neigh- bourhood Policing unit inspector, Richard Hill, said: "Local residents can rest assured that the tactics we are using will continue after October 31 in the run-up to Bonfire Night to tackle any anti-social behaviour incidents involving fireworks."

Merseyside police has also vowed to adopt a no-nonsense policy to trick-or-treat hooligans.

On Friday, the force unveiled plans to go undercover, with officers travelling round in a black taxi cab to target crime hotspots.

Police are also urging shops not to sell eggs and flour to youngsters and have seized illegal fireworks as part of the clampdown.

Extra officers have been brought in to help deal with potential disorder this week, with more than 1,000 police and support staff on duty.

To report a crime, contact Merseyside Police on 0800 555 111; Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.