In a season blighted by ‘killer clowns’ and other tricks and pranks, the Metropolitan police have announced their plans for cracking down on anti-social behaviour and crime through the autumn.

In 2015, the two weeks between Halloween and Bonfire Night saw a 31 percent increase in anti-social behaviour incidents compared to the preceding fortnight.

The Met’s 'Operation Autumn Nights' will see officers in all 32 London boroughs working agencies to carry out additional reassurance patrols, targeting anti-social behaviour perpetrators and associated crime.

There have recently been several reports in London of people dressing up as ‘killer clowns’ to scare and intimidate residents, with rumoured sightings including in Potters Bar and Finchley.

Few of the reported incidents have been considered crimes by police, but the Met said it is working to remind clown pranksters intentionally causing fear, alarm or distress is considered a criminal offence under the public order act.

READ MORE: Killer clowns: People report sightings across Barnet

Safer neighbourhood teams will be visiting vulnerable residents who might be most affected during the Halloween season to address any concerns and to offer crime prevention advice.

Officers will plan their operations based on analysis of current, and past, hot spots to ensure high visibility and plain clothed officers are “in the right place at the right time”.

According to Met figures, these tactics have seen a 37 per cent reduction in calls reporting anti-social behaviour over the last three years and a 33 per cent reduction in ASB repeat callers over the same period.

Chief superintendent Jason Gwillim, said: “We are here for London and to help make sure everyone can enjoy the festivities and stay safe.

“All boroughs have a local plan in place, focusing our resources in the right places and working closely and continually with our partners and communities.

“I would like to stress our operations are not aimed at demonising young people, the large majority of whom behave safely and responsibly.

“However those intent on committing crime and anti-social behaviour will face the consequences.”

With Bonfire Night also imminent on Saturday November 5, police will be conducting test purchases in shops selling fireworks to make sure they are not breaking any laws, such as selling to under 18s.

The Met has also made clear letting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am is a criminal offence and they should not be let off in public places.

A Met statement said: “Our advice is to go to a publically organised firework display and enjoy the spectacle without the safety concerns of organising your own event.”

If you witness a crime in Barnet over this Halloween and Bonfire Night, contact the police on 999 in an emergency.

Have you seen any ‘killer clowns’ skulking around Barnet? Let us know in the comments below!