Police using covert 'trojan' buses ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night
It's aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour
Ahead of Halloween, Mischief Night and Bonfire Night, Merseyside Police are using buses to catch any offenders in the act.
Plain-clothed officers are being planted on-board normal-looking buses, following their normal routes, to respond quickly to any incidents.
On this day last year (30 October 2024), there were 212 recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage across Merseyside.
Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton, tactical operations lead for the Halloween period, said:
"It is outrageous that the ‘fun’ of the individuals committing these crimes can leave whole communities feeling isolated. When drivers and passengers are in danger from things being thrown at them – that’s when we have to act. We won’t tolerate it. That’s why we’re running these Trojan buses. By deploying our Trojan buses, we’ll be able to look for and catch perpetrators before they get a chance to endanger members of the public.
"We’re very aware that some of the young people who get caught up in acts of antisocial behaviour at this time of year are, most of the time, good kids who have just made a bad choice.
"What are their plans?"
"But we have to prioritise the innocent members of our communities. Even though we don’t want to be taking kids into custody, we will if we have to.
"I would urge parents and carers to be seriously talking to the young people in their lives before they go out at this time of year. What are their plans? Do they know how to walk away from a situation if it’s getting out of hand? Do they know that their choices can have lifelong consequences, for themselves and others?"
Extra patrols will be out and dispersal zones are planned in areas identified by local policing teams as needing extra attention.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said:
"Operation Trojan sends a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities. It’s vital that we take proactive steps to protect the public and prevent harm, especially during times when incidents tend to spike.
"Tackling ASB is one of my top priorities, and along with our Violence Reduction Partnership, we’re working hard to prevent it before it starts. That’s why we’re investing in our Youth Empowerment Scheme, supporting brilliant grassroots organisations to deliver fun, engaging and supervised activities for young people across Merseyside during the half-term break.
"From spooky-themed roller-discos and pumpkin carving to fancy-dress face painting, Ninja Warrior-style assault courses, arts and crafts, and a wide range of sporting opportunities, we are supporting a brilliant mix of supervised, engaging activities across the region, helping to keep young people safe and positively occupied, whilst easing pressure on our emergency services.
"By combining targeted policing with meaningful youth engagement, we’re working to build safer, stronger communities across Merseyside."
Anyone who sees any non-emergency incidents of anti-social behaviour is being urged to call 101, so 999 lines are kept free for the most serious incidents.