OFFICERS are stepping up patrols again this evening to make sure Wirral residents are safe on Halloween following a quieter ‘mischief night’ than last year.

Merseyside Police says there were fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour on Friday, October 30, than last year.

The force received 1,285 calls from across the county between 2pm and 11pm yesterday – 6.4 per cent fewer than during the same period in 2019.

There was also a 7.7 per cent decrease in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage across Merseyside, with 523 such reports being made compared to 567 the previous year.

Chf Insp Peter Clark, commander for the policing operation, said: “The Halloween and Bonfire Night period is a typically busy time for all emergency services, and this year we have the added element of enforcing Covid-19 restrictions.

“Despite a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage yesterday, we saw an overall decrease in calls compared with the same period last year, which is pleasing.

“We will continue to have increased patrols out and about tonight to engage with the public and ensure our communities are enjoying themselves safely, but we will continue to take swift action where criminality is concerned.”

On the Wirral, a boy who was caught throwing eggs at Asda in Birkenhead had his bike seized after being stopped in the town’s dispersal zone, while fireworks and drugs were seized from a property in Rock Ferry, and Arriva buses avoided some areas following reports of vandalism.

Chf Insp Clark added: “I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of the public for acting safely and responsibly.

“We understand this is usually a time for celebrations but by abiding by the government restrictions, you are doing your part to ensure we can all spend time with our loved ones again soon.

“There will be extra high-visibility patrols across Merseyside tonight to ensure everyone enjoys Halloween responsibly, and we would ask parents and guardians to make sure you know where your children are, who they’re with, and what they are doing.

“If you are concerned about anti-social behaviour, criminal damage or criminality in your area, please get in touch so we can take action.”

To report a crime, always contact 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can send a direct message to @MerPolCC on social media, call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.