POLICE on Wirral have hailed their attempts to crackdown on illegal bonfires over the Halloween week and improve youngsters' safety as a success.

Working with its partners, Merseyside Police conducted various different operations and initiatives to tackle any anti-social and criminal behaviour.

The week comprising Halloween and Bonfire Night is traditionally one of the busiest of the year for the police.

One initiative included Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, The Wirral ASB Team and Merseyside Police between November 3 and 5 patrolling each neighbourhood with a digger and tipper truck to remove bonfires as they were placed on the street.

That prevented the lighting of illegal bonfires and the anti-social behaviour and danger they might cause.

Police were focused in preventing alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour by ensuring alcohol was not sold to those underage.

Test purchase operations and licensed premise visits were conducted.

Extra police patrols were on the streets to deter potential trouble makers and extra attention was given to victims of anti-social behaviour to keep them informed and updated.

During the four day Halloween and Bonfire Night period, Wirral police recorded:

An overall reduction of firework and rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour of 44 per cent compared with the same period last year.

An overall reduction of callers complaining of anti-social behaviour of 27 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Seventy four victims of anti-social behaviour - each was contacted personally with updates of what progress the police were making in resolving their incidents

Thirteen bonfires identified and removed, involving in excess of 60 tonnes of debris

Ninety licensed premise visits undertaken

Twelve test purchase operations conducted November 5 resulting in NO alcohol being sold to anyone underage, a significant achievement and showing a high level of responsibility by local retailers

Over 220 items (bottles and cans) of alcohol seized from young people, particularly successful in the areas of Noctorum, Seacombe and Birkenhead where the early removal of alcohol prevented disorder in the evening

Eight hundred young people engaged with during Operation Staysafe.

Staysafe is aimed at taking vulnerable children and young people off the streets who may be at risk of becoming the victims of crime or may be involved in criminal behaviour themselves.

Once a child or young person has been identified by police patrols as being at risk they are taken to a designated place of safety such as a local community centre or Fire Station where their parents or carers are called to come and collect them.