Halloween surge in 999 calls

HALLOWE EN saw a huge increase in 999 calls to Cambridgeshire police. Between 5pm and 10pm on Wednesday, October 31 the police force control room received an average of more than one call a minute and a total of 369 calls. A total of 71 of the calls rece

HALLOWE'EN saw a huge increase in 999 calls to Cambridgeshire police.

Between 5pm and 10pm on Wednesday, October 31 the police force control room received an average of more than one call a minute and a total of 369 calls. A total of 71 of the calls received between 5pm and 10pm were in relation in incidents in Huntingdon and Fenland.

The majority of calls were in relation to Hallowe'en and trick or treaters, with reports of eggs being thrown, large groups of youths hanging around and fireworks being set off.

Last year between the same period police received 349 emergency calls. On an average Wednesday evening they would normally receive around 200 calls between 5pm and 10pm.

A police spokesperson said: "Hallowe'en is always a busy evening for police and traditionally sees a large increase in `999' calls.

"This year was no different with the Force Control Room receiving a large number of calls in relation to nuisance behaviour and minor criminal damage.

"Patrols across the county were increased last night in anticipation of this increase in calls for service.