Ahead of Halloween police urge the public to stay safe and act responsibly

It’s been a busy weekend for the Emergency services in the run-up to Halloween weekend, and despite a decrease in antisocial behaviour and criminal damage, we have unfortunately still had to attend a number of incidents across Merseyside which have negatively impacted on members of our communities.

An extensive policing plan has been put in place for Halloween and Bonfire Night, and officers have been out on the ground in a bid to reduce the number of incidents and keep people safe.

A number of Dispersal Zones were put in place in Sefton, Wirral, Liverpool and Knowsley following reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage in the area, and an investigation is underway after a firework was thrown at a property on Pasture Road, Moreton, resulting in a fire to the flat above a shop on 30/10. We are appealing for anyone with any information to report it to us by calling 101, or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 080 555 111.

Commander for the policing operation, Chief Inspector Duncan Swan said: “The Halloween period is a typically busy time for all emergency services, and this year we have seen a seven per cent decrease in reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage, but that won’t resonate with those members of our communities who have suffered  from antisocial behaviour or criminal damage during the weekend.

“As we would expect at this time of year we received a number of calls relating to antisocial behaviour and criminal damage. The throwing of fireworks towards people, or targeting of properties with fireworks, reckless to the extreme and could have easily led to serious or fatal consequences.

“As well as the impact on our communities, this sort of behaviour can also cause significant disruption to us and our partners at Merseyside Fire and Rescue and the North West Ambulance Service,  together we provide a vital service to our communities in times of crisis and we could be prevented from helping someone in serious need. An attack on emergency services is an attack on your own community.

“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 antisocial 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 DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 080 555 111.