Bonfire night trouble curbed

Chief Superintendent Tim Forber

A HARD-hitting campaign to stamp out trouble over Bonfire night has been hailed a success after the number of incidents reduced.

On November 5 itself, the fire service took 437 emergency calls across Greater Manchester — a 28 per cent reduction from 2009.

But firework-related incidents increased, despite the number of educational visits to schools and seizures of more than 1,800 illegal and dangerous fireworks.

Operation Treacle involved Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and Manchester Police (GMP) working in partnership with other local agencies.

Police statistics show that the number of anti-social behaviour incidents halved from 5,786 last year to 2,830 this year, incidents of criminal damage fell from 1,087 to 1,011 and firework related incidents increased from 1,030 to 1,203.

Insp Lin Houldershaw, of GMP, said: “This year’s commitment to the Treacle Partnership has been greater than ever.

“Incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage reduced compared with the same period last year.

“Police officers were out in force and conducted 1,255 stop and searches resulting in the seizure of illegal bangers and similar fireworks that should not be available to under 18s.

“Treacle will continue to go from strength to strength to ensure our communities have a safe and enjoyable time.”