24 arrested over Mischief Night
MERSEYSIDE Police have confirmed that they arrested 24 people during “Mischief Night”.
Officers patrolling communities throughout the force area made the arrests for a variety of low-level offences, and seized dozens of fireworks.
The police also said that they experienced a 20% increase in calls on October 30, compared with last year.
The force reported an increase of almost 400 between 2pm and midnight, many of which were about criminal damage and antisocial behaviour.
The rise in calls from the public appears to be in line with a general increase in calls to 101 and 999 that Merseyside police have seen in the last six months.
During the evening, there was a reduction of nearly a third in reports of criminal damage to bus windows with a total reported.
The commander for the policing operation, Ch Insp 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 & Rescue Service also reported a significant reduction in deliberately set fires, with crews attending 45 incidents in comparison to 64 last year.
Ch Insp Hitchell added: “It is also illegal of 19 incidents 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.
“Anyone involved in criminal behaviour could be arrested and receive a fine, a criminal record or even jail time.
“If your child is under 16 then you will be liable for pay- ment 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 Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night period.”
Anyone who would like to report incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage can call police on 101.