Crime drops by 30% (From Barry And District News)

Crime drops by 30%

VALE police are delighted at the 30 percent drop in crime around this year's Halloween, compared to last year.

But the infamous celebration still attracted its fair share of anti-social behaviour and a number of incidents were reported to police over the weekend, known to be one of the busiest on the police calendar.

There were 1,192 emergency calls to police on October 31; a rise of 40 percent on calls received the previous Friday.

Tricksters conned their way into the home of an elderly resident in the Vale of Glamorgan. They told the resident that they were from the Water Board.

After distracting the resident, a second man stole a large amount of cash from the property.

Public buildings and schools were also targeted as vandals smashed windows across the Vale.

The number of police on the streets for Halloween this year was increased by using officers who are normally based in the office.

This year was expected to be the busiest Halloween night for years, but it is thought the police presence helped tackle anti-social behaviour.

Superintendent Josh Jones said that some people used Halloween to cause upset to others:

He explained: "There has been an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour on previous Halloween nights and last year we confiscated a considerable amount of eggs and fireworks.

"Certain people have been using Halloween as an excuse for causing misery to ordinary people."

He added that sponsorship of a local disco helped to keep youths off the streets.

"It lets young people have a great time and helped ensure our streets were quieter."

If you have any information about any of the crimes, call local police or phone Crimestoppers, free an anonymously, on 0800 555111.