Halloween: Decrease in incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage reported compared to last year

Officers continued to provide a high-visibility presence on Merseyside last night, Tuesday 31 October, with less 999 calls and incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage reported on Halloween than last year.

Merseyside saw a 26 per cent decrease in emergency calls and a reduction of 30 per cent in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in comparison to Halloween night in 2022.

Six people were arrested and officers recovered a suspected stolen vehicle which was unoccupied and had its engine running, rolling along a road in Walton. Officers quickly jumped into the car to put the brakes on and prevent it from colliding into other vehicles. A search of the car was carried out where a meat clever and two large zombie knives were found inside it. Enquiries are being carried out to identify the vehicle’s owner.

Notable arrests included a 16-year-old boy from Seacombe who was arrested on Lord Street in Liverpool city centre for being in possession of a bladed weapon and cannabis. He has been released on police bail and is prohibited not to enter Liverpool city centre for two weeks.

A 15-year-old girl from Speke was arrested in Chavasse Park on suspicion of being in possession of a Class B drug. She was taken home to her parents and will be interviewed at a later date.

Officers continued carrying out stop searches through the evening, and confiscated fireworks, two bottles of vodka, and a bat.

In one instance several fireworks were taken from a 13-year-old boy who had them concealed in his backpack with an electric vape. Officers attended the incident following a report of fireworks being set off in North Park, Bootle.

A dispersal zone was put in place around Longmoor Lane last night following reports of young people setting off fireworks. Officers attended and stop searched a number of people resulting in three children taken home to their parents.

Dispersal zones put in place on Monday 30 October continued to operate in key areas in Sefton. The order gives police officers the powers to direct people engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents and the power to seize items.

Commander for the policing operation, Chief Inspector Duncan Swan said: “We have an extensive policing plan in place during this period leading up to Bonfire Night, and we will continue with this highly visible policing presence across the region in order to keep communities safe and respond to any incidents. 

“We do want young people to enjoy themselves, but in a safe and responsible way. The best means to do this is by attending organised events and bonfire displays and activities taking place in your area so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time without any incidents occurring.

“I continue to remind parents, and guardians, to know where your child is and what they are up to. No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or, worse still, has been involved in a serious accident.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.

You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.