Halloween proved to be a relatively quiet affair on the streets of South Wales last night.
South Wales Police and its partner agencies collaborated to tackle trouble on what was expected to be a busy evening.
The successful outcome of Sunday night is partly due to Operation B.A.N.G – an all-Wales community safety initiative that seeks to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
Diversionary activities organised by Community Safety Partnerships saw a variety of fun events for young people taking place across South Wales over the half-term period.
From discos and spooky walks, to movie nights and pamper sessions, activities throughout the region have been providing children and teenagers with somewhere to celebrate – taking them off the streets and out of harms way.
Extra officers carried out high visibility patrols in problem areas, in an effort to reassure the public and deter pranksters from becoming the usual fright night menace.
Over 72,000 school children have also been spoken to by police and fire officers in the run up to Halloween, providing them with a firm lesson on the consequences of acting in a disruptive or anti-social manner.
Operation B.A.N.G (Be a Nice Guy) does not end here though, as Bonfire Night looms on what promises to be a busy, firework filled weekend.
Superintendent Liane Bartlett said:
“South Wales Police has a responsibility to keep its communities safe, and so we ensured that robust policing plans were in place ahead of this year’s Halloween celebrations.
“There was, as we had anticipated, an increase in calls in comparison to the average Sunday night- but fortunately not of the volume we had expected.
“The number of calls reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour has in fact fallen by 27% in relation to last year’s figures.
“We now look to the weekend ahead, and as we switch our focus to Bonfire Night we once again ask for the public’s co-operation to make sure it passes without incident.
“Unfortunately there are always those who seem intent on spoiling the festivities for others. We will not tolerate behaviour that causes alarm or distress, and will take serious action against those found responsible.
“Anyone with concerns over the celebratory period should contact 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
A wide range of activities will be taking place across Wales over the next week.
For information on events and organised firework displays in your area, visit www.facebook.com/beaniceguy
