POLICE have been visiting schools, and shops in the area in the run up to Halloween with a message of zero tolerance towards anti-social behaviour.

Officers greeted shoppers at Tesco in Waltham Abbey with advice on how to report anti-social behaviour and also visited local schools to speak to children about respecting other people's privacy.

Shopkeepers in the area have also been visited with reminders to use common sense when selling eggs and flour to young people over the Halloween period.

Essex Police have said extra patrols will be in place this weekend and calls informing of anti-social behaviour can be made to the none emergency number 0300 333 4444. Serious incidents should be reported by dialling 999 as usual.

Neighbours and partnerships superintendent Adrian Coombs said: “Anti-social behaviour is our top priority. The partnerships will be working together to ensure that our residents enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night without the disturbance of anti-social behaviour.

“Young people should take care if they decide to go trick or treating. For everyone else, please be tolerant of young people but remember you do not have to accept bad behaviour. I would urge you to call the police if you are concerned at all throughout the evening.”