POLICE in North Somerset unveiled a very special weapon to crack down on antisocial behaviour at Halloween ... lollipops. Officers across the district went on patrol with scores of the sweets in their pockets to hand out to youngsters out and about trick

POLICE in North Somerset unveiled a very special weapon to crack down on antisocial behaviour at Halloween ... lollipops.Officers across the district went on patrol with scores of the sweets in their pockets to hand out to youngsters out and about trick or treating on Wednesday night.The idea behind handing out sweets to teens hails from America and is now being used across the pond to crack down on bad behaviour.It has been used by other police forces across the country which have encountered problems with noisy and drunken revellers leaving clubs and pubs late at night.Officers say that by handing out lollies it gives people something to do with their mouths other than shouting or arguing.The initiative also aims to help promote relationships between police and young people in towns and villages.This is the first time the initiative has been used in the district, with officers claiming it as a huge success.North Somerset Police Sector Inspector Steve Date said: "The psychology behind it is that if people are eating something, it takes their mind off behaving badly and stops them being loud or aggressive."In Bristol the idea was used and police handed out lollipops to people leaving nightclubs."The initiative received a very positive response in the north of the district on Halloween night."The young people liked the idea they were getting something from the police and in turn this improves relationships between officers and teenagers in the area."Pictured North Somerset Police Superintendent Julian Moss and Portishead Sergeant Terry Scoble fill their hats with lollies ready to give out to children on Halloween night.