Fall in number of arrests on 'Mischief Night' (From Wirral Globe)

Fall in number of arrests on 'Mischief Night'

9:39am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News

MERSEYSIDE Police say there was a fall in the number of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage on what is one of their busiest nights of the year.

There were 39 arrests made during Mischief Night, compared to 49 last year.

Police were called to fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour and managed to get to 93 per cent of grade one emergency incidents within the target time of ten minutes and 96 per cent of grade two calls.

The reductions build on falls in previous years and follow months of planning by police, fire and ambulance service, and local councils.

Commander for the policing operation, Superintendent Rowley Moore, said the reductions meant that the vast majority of people had listened to advice about how to enjoy the evening safely and sensibly.

He said: "A massive amount of effort and planning has gone into tonight's operation and I am delighted that we have built on previous year's achievements and again reduced crime despite it traditionally being a very busy period.

"The vast majority of young people have taken advantage of the many different events that were put on for them and I'm sure they will have had a great time.

"We have been out in force tonight to tackle people committing crime, not stop people having fun, and I think we have achieved that.

"Anti-social behaviour can have a real effect on people's lives and where serious crimes have been committed, we have made sure our officers have got to the people who needed help and dealt swiftly with the problem.

"I can assure people that we will carry on with that successful approach for the rest of the Halloween and Bonfire period and make sure that people feel safe when they are out enjoying the organised events taking place this week."