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Anti social behaviour and
criminal damage over Halloween the in Merseyside Area
MERSEYSIDE Police can confirm they
experienced a 20% increase in calls on 30 October 2017 afternoon and evening
compared to the same period in 2016. The force saw an increase of almost 400
more calls, between 2pm and midnight, many of them about criminal damage and
anti social behaviour. During the evening there was a reduction of nearly a 3rd
in reports of criminal damage to bus windows with a total of 19 incidents
reported. Officers patrolling communities throughout Merseyside arrested 24
people for a variety of low level offences and seized dozens of fireworks.
On Tuesday, 31 October 2017, fell 10% compared
to the same period in 2016. The force recorded a total of 1504 calls for
service during the Police operation between 2pm and midnight, a fall of 172 from
1676 calls for service in 2016. Reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal
damage saw a 7% reduction from 312 in 2016 to 291 this year. A total of 10
people were arrested for a variety of low level offences; compared to 16 arrests
in 2016; along with a total of 15 seizures of fireworks were made during the
operation. In total 840 youths attended alternative activities organised by
Merseyside Police and partner agencies.
Commander for the policing operation, Chief
Inspector Chris Hitchell said:- "This time of year is always busy for us.
We know that anti social behaviour is of concern to people, particularly those
who are elderly or vulnerable, and I want to reiterate my message that we will
take robust action against those found committing anti social or criminal
behaviour. I want to make it clear that it is not acceptable to throw objects at
people, vehicles or homes, commit criminal damage or abuse or intimidate
people."
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service reported a
significant reduction in deliberately set fires, with crews attending 45
incidents in comparison to 64, in 2016. There were 2 separate incidents of
damage to 3 Fire Engines in the Kirkby and Belle Vale areas. This damage
resulted in the engines being taken out of service for the remainder of the
night.
Station Manager Paul Kay, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Arson Reduction and
Incident Investigation lead said:- "We are pleased to see a reduction in
ASB fires in comparison to 2016. However it is absolutely unacceptable that
Firefighters have come under attack in the course of their duty. These attacks
put Fire Crews who risk their lives for their community at risk of serious harm
and the damage was such that the Fire Engines had to be taken out of service for
the rest of the night. This could have had serious consequences and added to
pressure on our limited resources, not to mention the financial cost. I would
ask people to consider the whereabouts and activity of their children and for
those that did this to think about the very serious consequences of their
actions. We will continue to serve our community. Help us help you, please show
respect to Firefighters."
Chief Inspector Chris Hitchell said:-
"The run up to Sunday, 5 November 2017, will continue to be a busy period for
ourselves and our partners, but we remain committed to tackling nuisance and
antisocial behaviour. The people who are intent on carrying out acts of criminal
damage or causing a disturbance in their communities are very much in the
minority and I would ask that people continue to enjoy the festivities safely
and responsibly over the coming days. A massive amount of effort and planning
has gone into the policing operation for this period and we will continue to
have increased high visibility patrols over the Bonfire Night period. We will
also work closely with partner agencies and take swift action against the small
minority who are intent on causing trouble. I would continue to urge people in
the period leading up to 5 November 2017 to have respect for other people and
their property and remind people that it illegal for those under the age of 18
to buy, carry, or use fireworks and under the Explosives Act of 1875 it is
illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place. If your child is under
16 then you will be liable for payment of any fine. A massive amount of
effort and planning has gone into the operation and I would like to reassure the
community that we will continue to have increased high visibility patrols over
the Halloween and Bonfire Night period."
Anyone who would like to report incidents of
anti-social behaviour or criminal damage can call Police on:- 101 or use the
online reporting tool, on the Merseyside Police
website.
If anyone believes they have information about the illegal sale, use or
possession of fireworks, please contact Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on:-
0800 731 5958 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.
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