Maidenhead & Windsor

Co-ordinated efforts by the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough, Community Safety and the Thames Valley Police before and during Halloween and bonfire night have been hailed a success after criminal damage dropped by almost a fifth compared to last year.

Seventy-five criminal damage incidents were recorded by the police between October 30 and November 6 this year, compared to 92 last year, a reduction of 17 incidents or 18.5%.

In addition, the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's antisocial behaviour team received no specific complaints of Halloween or bonfire night-related problems and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service reported an average week with no significant increase in callouts resulting from Halloween and bonfire night.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for community safety, said: "I am delighted that the joined-up partnership approach to tackling antisocial behaviour has seen a reduction in incidents compared to last year.

"Many thanks to everyone for all their efforts before and during this critical period, and thanks also to the shopkeepers and publicans, neighbourhood watches and members of the public who worked with them."

Inspector Mark Millward, community safety, Thames Valley Police, said: "There was a great reduction in criminal activity in the area as a result of the joint operation. While we realise that there is still some work to do in stamping out antisocial behaviour, we are encouraged by the result and would like to thank all those concerned for helping to keep the Halloween and bonfire night period a safe and enjoyable one."

Partnership measures by the groups included:

· a one-week-only mobile phone number was given out to neighbourhood watches and affected residents and was successful in alerting police to incidents as they were occurring

· all Windsor and Maidenhead neighbourhood police officers, community wardens and the borough's licensing team were on high visibility patrols across the borough on Halloween and bonfire night

· local shops and licensed premises worked in partnership with the authorities to reduce problems associated with alcohol, fireworks and the throwing of eggs and flour

· the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's community and youth services took 40 young people to a Thorpe Park Fright Night as part of their diversionary activities programme, a move supported by the police.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead