Calls to police made on Mischief night increase by 20%

Police say they received an 20% increase in calls during Mischief Night, compared to the same time last year,.

Almost 400 extra calls were made between 2pm and midnight, many of them about criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

During the evening there was a reduction of nearly a third 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.

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 & Rescue Service reported a significant reduction in deliberately set fires, with crews attending 45 incidents in comparison to 64 last year.

There were two separate incidents of damage to three 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 & Rescue Arson Reduction and Incident Investigation lead said: “We are pleased to see a reduction in ASB fires in comparison to last year. 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: “It is also 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.

“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 payment of any fine.