POLICE will be out in force to tackle community safety concerns in the run up to Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night.

Gwent Police and Trading Standards have visited retail outlets throughout the area and are encouraging businesses to screen the sale of eggs and flour and ensure those selling fireworks do so lawfully.

Local neighbourhood policing teams will be in known areas where youths may gather and will seize any illegally held items.

The use of £80 'on the spot' fixed penalty tickets may be used by police to quickly deal with any disorder or the illegal use of fireworks.

Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act will also be used to ensure groups of people cannot return to a location for 48 hours.

Inspector Terry Davies, from Gwent Police Community Safety Department, said: "Even though HalloweÕen and Bonfire night is supposed to be fun, because of the irresponsible few, for some people, for example the elderly and vulnerable, it can be the time of the year that is the most dreaded."

Posters were given to residents who do not want to be visited by 'trick or treaters' and these can be printed off from the Gwent Police website www.gwent.police.uk