Bonfire Night 2023: Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage continues to decrease in Merseyside for third year

We would like to thank everyone on Merseyside for helping to stay safe this Bonfire Night, Sunday 5 November 2023, as incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage has continued to decrease for the third year running.

Tonight, officers provided a high-visibility presence in the region with dispersal zones and stop searches carried out when necessary, so everyone stayed safe this weekend.

A total of 71 incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage were reported across Merseyside. This is a 26 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in comparison to Bonfire Night in 2022.

We also saw a slight decrease of 8 per cent in emergency calls via 999.

A total of six arrests were made as part of the police operation, for offences including public order.

Chief Inspector Duncan Swan, police commander for the weekend, said: “Tonight, Bonfire Night, Merseyside saw a reduction of 26 per cent in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, and this has fallen for the third consecutive year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has took onboard the advice given to stay safe not only this weekend but also during Halloween period, as we have seen a continued reduction in reported incidents over the whole period. This would not have been possible without the co-operation from everyone on Merseyside.

“We have maintained a highly visible policing presence across the region in the lead up to Bonfire Night with dispersal zones and stop searches carried out to prevent any serious incidents from occurring.

“Working in partnership with MFRS and local councils, hundreds of tonnes of rubbish were cleared from illegal bonfires in the past week or so.

“We have monitored any bonfires that have popped up in the last 24 hours to ensure there is no threat to life and properties in the area, and kept a visible police presence in neighbourhoods to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves safely.”

You can contact us with any information via @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.