Police are bracing themselves for the busiest night of the year to make sure Halloween does not become a nightmare for the city's elderly residents.

Calls to police from frightened residents rocket by 50 per cent in Oxford when youngsters go out "Trick or Treating".

There is also an increase in reports of vandalism, criminal damage and antisocial behaviour.

Now police are putting extra officers on the streets and told shops not to sell eggs and flour to teenagers.

Chief Insp Jack Malhi said: "Most of the calls are about low level antisocial behaviour and eggs and flour thrown at houses.

"We have more reports of criminal damage than on an average night, and the kind of behaviour reported can be intimidating and frightening for elderly and vulnerable residents.

"Halloween should be fun for children and not an excuse for antisocial behaviour."

Last year's antics, including pumpkins being thrown through windows, overturned cars and a firecracker shoved through a letter box, were described as 'malicious' by police.

Homes who reported problems last year have been sent No Trick or Treating posters in their windows to deter unwanted callers.

Many pensioners said Halloween can be frightening.

Jean Davies, 79, of Whitehouse Road, Oxford, said: "Halloween is an intimidating time of year. I would rather wait until Christmas to have a knock on the door from Carol singers."

Jean Brown, 70, of Eynsham, said: "It has got out of hand because older teenagers ruin it for everyone."

Bill Jupp, 76, of Marston, said: "Youngsters have got to understand we are all part of the same society and they shouldn't be treating older people differently."

Last year, vandals smashed a pumpkin carved by Sophie Barr, eight, and her brother Joshua, three, in Caversfield near Bicester.

Their mother Judy Barr said: "What is the point when people ruin things for the kids?"