Officers are aiming to cut the traditional rise in crime and anti-social behaviour, in the weeks prior to 5 November, in the Wythenshawe area.

The five-week initiative follows an operation fighting crime in shopping centres and a ban on alcohol on the streets in the district.

Police will visit schools and hand out information packs spelling out the law on fireworks, alcohol and vandalism.

'Community concerns'

High-profile patrols will also be maintained in the area to watch out for the illegal sale of alcohol and fireworks and to protect homes from the threat of arson.

Detectives said the Wythenshawe Park bonfire and fireworks display would also be strictly policed.

Sergeant Kevin Grimsley, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "At this time of year, incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour usually rise sharply and, as the nights draw in, we need to address the concerns of our community.

"Operation Garden City has proved very successful in the past with a 39% reduction in youth nuisance reports and a 19% reduction in crime, as well as considerable reductions in fire related incidents overall."

In the run up to bonfire night 2002, Greater Manchester Fire Service reported a 37% reduction in all fires involving property, a 54% reduction in other fires, a 38% reduction in hoax calls and a 53% reduction in car fires.