PARENTS are being advised to keep on eye on their children in the run up to ‘mischief night’ in the area.

Cleveland Police has joined forces with Cleveland Fire Brigade and housing association Coast and Country to drive home the message that criminal damage should not be mistaken for mischief.

Mischief night traditionally occurs on October 31 each year and has historically been a busy period for the emergency services.

Officers from the three organisations are visiting the homes of known offenders, and their parents, to warn that if the children are found to be causing issues on mischief night there could be serious consequences.

Parents could even face losing their home under breaches of their tenancy agreements and criminal action could be taken if deemed appropriate by the authorities.

Superintendent John Lyons said: “Those who commit acts of crime and criminal damage are not being mischievous, they are carrying out criminal offences and it won’t be tolerated.

“My message to parents is: ‘do you know where your children are and what they are doing?’ We recognise that there may be some children that do not go out intending to commit antisocial behaviour, crime and disorder, but could be drawn into it with others who are intent on doing so.

“We’ll be carrying out high visibility patrols, making full use of legislation around dispersal orders and also signposting youths to diversionary activities. Let this be a warning to those who think it’s acceptable to commit crime this half term, we won’t tolerate it and you may well face criminal proceedings in a court of law.”

Ian Hayton, Chief Fire Officer of Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “Our message is clear – unofficial bonfires aren’t mischief. They’re arson. We will continue to work alongside the police and other partners to ensure people responsible for arson are held to account.”

While Iain Sim, chief executive of Coast & Country added: “Older people and families with young children can be particularly distressed by so called mischief but it can be upsetting for anyone and we fully support these actions and take robust tenancy enforcement action against any tenants or anyone living with them who causes antisocial behaviour.”

Call Cleveland Police on 101 in a non-emergency.