Operation Treacle is a sweet success

FEWER tricks and more treats were in store for the emergency services this year.

Halloween and Bonfire Night crime was down by 30 per cent compared with last year, according to officers taking part in Operation Treacle, which targeted anti-social behaviour.

Incidents
Oldham police joined forces with fire crews and the Health and Safety Executive and Transport for Greater Manchester to tackle the seasonal scourge of criminal damage and misuse of fireworks.

Officers dealt with 83 incidents this year, compared with 119 last year.

Across Greater Manchester there were 571 fewer incidents relating to fireworks.

During the campaign police maintained a highly-visible presence to reassure residents and deter troublemakers and visited schools to remind youngsters bad behaviour would not be tolerated.

They also confiscated alcohol, carried out test purchasing to combat underage drinking and targeted adults buying drink for under 18s.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “In recent years communities have become fed up with the anti-social behaviour, damage and irresponsible behaviour associated with this time of year.

“The authorities, schools and residents have worked hard to highlight the impact this behaviour has, and the misery it generates, and it is clear that young people are beginning to realise the consequences of acting thoughtlessly.

“We have therefore seen real reductions in poor behaviour this year, and happier communities as a result.”

There was also good news for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service which saw Bonfire Night emergency calls fall to their lowest level for many years and fewer deliberate fires.