Police say it was a real "treat" this Halloween

Avon & Somerset Police have said that all the hard work has paid off during this year’s Halloween with the lowest number of 999 and non-emergency calls to the Avon and Somerset Police since 2008.

Across the district, police officers visited local schools and youth clubs to talk to young people about 'Trick or Treating' safely and responsibly. The talks reminded youngsters not to go into people's homes and explained that they could be arrested if someone's property was damaged in a prank.

Police also gave out posters for people to display in their homes either welcoming callers or asking 'Trick or Treaters' to leave them in peace, through Neighbourhood Watch and to sheltered housing accommodation.

Local shop workers also played a part by refusing to sell flour and eggs to children in the run-up to Halloween at the request of neighbourhood teams. .

On the night, uniformed police officers were joined by Police Community Support Officers, Special Constables and volunteers to provide a reassuring presence on the streets, while officers also patrolled in plain clothes.

Filton Neighbourhood Area:

• Over the Halloween weekend, officers seized lager, cider, wine, pre-mixed and self-mixed cocktails from under-age drinkers in Little Stoke and Stoke Gifford.

• Officers also seized eggs from young people after reports of them being thrown at homes and cars.

• Officers took the details of 35 youngsters who were found in areas where there had been reports of anti-social behaviour and their parents or carers will be contacted.

• Volunteers took details of vehicles where property was left on view and the registered keeper will be written to with crime prevention advice.

Staple Hill Neighbourhood Area:

• Officers patrolled on off-road motorbikes and were joined by police dog handlers.

• Police confiscated fireworks from children in Hanham.

• A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Kingswood for damage to a fence panel and bailed.

• Officers are appealing for information after an Austin Metro was overturned in Moravian Road, Kingswood, at about 8.15pm on Sunday October 31 2010.

Thornbury Neighbourhood Area:

• A 15-year-old boy from Thornbury was arrested for criminal damage after a bin was thrown through a car window in Cherwell. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

• Police are appealing for witnesses and information after windows were smashed and a car driven over the rugby and football pitches at the Castle School Sixth Form, causing extensive damage, on Sunday afternoon, October 31 2010.

Chipping Sodbury Neighbourhood Area:

• A 20-year-old man was arrested after reports of aerials being snapped off 16 cars in Chargrove, Yate over the Halloween weekend and later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The Halloween weekend police operation formed part of the force's current three-month long Relentless campaign, which is focusing on working with and protecting children and young people and targeting prolific young offenders.

The key message of the Halloween Operation Relentless was to ensure people had an enjoyable time and were made to feel safe and be safe, particularly the elderly and other vulnerable members of the community.