Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage falls by 52% ahead of Halloween in Southport & Merseyside

Merseyside Police can confirm that we recorded a 52% decrease in the number of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage calls yesterday, Saturday 30 October, compared to last year.

 A total of 785 emergency calls (8.9% decrease) and 520 non-emergency calls (22.8% decrease) came in during the police operation yesterday, compared to last year.

 There was a 52% decrease in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, with 279 such reports being made compared to 576 last year. Total calls were 1460, an overall reduction of 8.6% from last year. Incident in which buses were targeted were also reduced by more than 50%.

 We were however called to incidents including reports of youths throwing fireworks and bricks at vehicles including Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) in the Longmoor Lane area at around 8pm. Officers attended and a number of youths dispersed. A 40-year-old man from Orrell Park was detained nearby on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, and was taken into custody for questioning. 

A further incident took place in Mill Lane, Toxteth around 8.20pm, in which fireworks were reportedly thrown in the street. Officers attended and took a number of youths home. 

 In Lyons Road, Moreton, officers attending an incident at around 8pm had fireworks aimed at them, causing minor burns and hearing difficulties. Enquiries are ongoing to locate the offenders. Both officers were thankfully checked over and will make a full recovery. 

 Commander for the policing operation, Chief Inspector Peter Clark said: “The Halloween period is a typically busy time for all emergency services, but it is pleasing to see that last night saw a massive decrease in reports, especially seeing as it has taking place on a half-term weekend with fair weather.

 “Nonetheless, every incident matters to us, and we understand the distress, harm and risk that any such behaviour can and does have on residents and businesses in our communities. If you have any information on any matters from last night or today, come forward and we will continue to take action and put our resources in the right places. 

 “Throwing fireworks and other items towards officers and other emergency services is incredibly reckless and could easily lead to serious or fatal consequences. It also causes significant disruption to us and our partners in the fire and ambulance services carrying out often life-saving work. An attack on emergency services is an attack on your own community.

 “We really hope that people enjoy Halloween today, a fun, family event and there is still plenty to do across Merseyside.

 “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 anti-social behaviour and criminality is concerned.

 “I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of the public for acting safely and responsibly. We would continue to 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.”

 To report a crime, always contact 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 111.