Anyone planning to dress up as the guards from the wildly popular South Korean drama Squid Game should stick with just the jumpsuits and leave any prop guns at home this Halloween, police have warned.

If revellers are spotted with imitation guns they face being arrested and jailed under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance.

About 1,000 officers will be deployed around the Lan Kwai Fong nightlife area in Central each night from Friday to Sunday.

People celebrate Halloween in Lan Kwai Fong last year.

“According to past experience, some members of the public would wear costumes or pose as TV or movie characters during Halloween and bring all kinds of theatrical props with them,” police said.

“In this regard, police urge members of the public not to carry any imitation firearms as props.”

Under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, possession of an imitation firearm, which includes props and airguns, is punishable by up to two years in jail.

Police also warned the public not to carry any sharp objects, offensive weapons or illicit items.

Police officers direct the crowds in Lan Kwai Fong on Halloween night last year.

One force insider said plain-clothes officers would blend into crowds and “scout for troublemakers”.

Police would also be on the lookout for anyone wearing clothing that carried political slogans, the source added.

Netflix’s Squid Game tells the story of a group of people risking their lives to play deadly children’s games for money. The players are made to wear green tracksuits and are kept under watch at all times by masked guards in reddish-pink jumpsuits who carry guns.

To ensure public safety and order, police will implement special traffic arrangements in Lan Kwai Fong from Friday night until the early hours of Monday. Illegally parked vehicles could be ticketed or towed away without warning.

“Measures including road closures and one-way flow [of traffic] will also be applied if necessary,” police said.

With the Covid-19 pandemic still a concern, police said officers would work closely with other law enforcement departments to step up inspections of restaurants and entertainment premises in the area and give out verbal explanations, advice or warnings about following the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation.

Police also called upon members of the public to abide by social-distancing rules and cooperate with enforcement actions.

“One may be ticketed without prior warning if he or she deliberately violates the regulations or refuses to follow instructions of law enforcement officers,” the force said.