Royston a crime free zone this Halloween
ROYSTON was a crime-free zone over Halloween and Bonfire Night.
That’s according to the town’s neighbourhood sergeant, Jon Vine, who told The Crow that officers in the town did not attend any incidents caused by the festivities of the last week.
Halloween in particular can be a catalyst for anti-social behaviour, but Sgt Vine believes the awareness work his team has carried out in the last few months is paying dividends.
He said: “I don’t think we had a single call related to Halloween or Bonfire Night.
“We’ve had additional staff going into the schools to talk about the impact Halloween can have on other people, particularly elderly people, and it’s nice to be able to see the tangible effects of that work.
“We invest a little bit of time beforehand because we just want everyone to stay safe, that’s what we’re here for.”
Sgt Vine believes the change in law relating to the sale of fireworks has also helped.
Most Read
- 1 Three dogs including pregnant Jack Russell stolen from Wimpole kennels
- 2 US star George Clooney spotted directing new film in Hertfordshire
- 3 MP visits Royston lab to learn about local success story
- 4 Family of patient who died from drug overdose speak out after inquest
- 5 Strictly for Charity fundraising event gets people's toes tapping for Home-Start
- 6 Council confirms first monkeypox case in Hertfordshire
- 7 Royston children encouraged to write to the Queen
- 8 Platinum Jubilee: Hertfordshire's royal visits in pictures
- 9 Police find body in search for missing 71-year-old Raymond
- 10 Stevenage's Lister Hospital changes maternity visiting guidance
He said: “It’s a lot more difficult to buy fireworks now, and I think that’s made a difference too,” he said.
It was a quiet night across Hertfordshire in general, with the force receiving 353 999 calls and 1,417 non-emergency calls, compared with 474 999 calls and 1769 non-emergency calls in 2011.
Chief Inspector David Partridge, from Hertfordshire Police, said: “The county saw a reduction in the number of incidents compared to last year, and I’d like to thank those in Hertfordshire who enjoyed the Halloween festivities responsibly, safely and peacefully.
“Unfortunately there were a few minor incidents, but our increased patrols meant officers were able to deal with them.
“I’d also like to thank all the members of the public who called to let us know about any incidents in their neighbourhood – it is local information like this which allows us to respond quickly and ensure these minor issues do not escalate.”
