MORE TREATS THAN TRICKS ON HALLOWEEN AS ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR FALLS ON 31 OCTOBER

MERSEYSIDE Police have reported to us that they have recorded fewer reports of anti-social behaviour and vandalism on Halloween on Thursday, 31 October 2013, compared to the previous night. The force was called about 260 incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism between 2pm and 12am when compared to 715 for the same period yesterday. This equates to a reduction of 63%. Reports of criminal damage have fallen by 35% when comparing 51 reports received, with reports received on the same day last year, that had 79 reports being received. The week between 30 October 2013 and 5 November 2013, is traditionally 1 of the busiest of the year for Merseyside's Emergency Services. Commander for the policing operation, Superintendent Rowley Moore, said parents and young people had heeded advice about how to enjoy the night safely and responsibly. He said that:- "While the vast majority of young people behaved themselves there was a small minority of both youngsters and adults whose actions went beyond innocent mischief. I would like to thank parents who have clearly listened to our advice to make sure they know what their children are doing for Halloween and the young people themselves have taken advantage of all the things put on for them. We have seen far fewer instances of groups of young people out of the street after dark getting involved in anti-social behaviour and the high numbers of officers we have had on duty has meant people have felt reassured and got a swift response when it was needed. A great deal of planning and effort has gone into what is a multi-agency operation running throughout Merseyside this week and we will continue to work hard over Bonfire Night."  There were 15 arrests made between 2pm and 12am, compared to 20 in last year's 31 October operation!

FALL IN CALLS FOR SERVICE ON BONFIRE NIGHT

MERSEYSIDE Police have reported a recorded fall in the number of reported incidents on Bonfire Night, despite 5 November being traditionally being one of the busiest times of year for the Force. Following months of careful planning by Police, other Emergency Services and Local Council s there was a 23.4% reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage compared to the same period last year. Infact there were 410 calls regarding ASB and criminal damage between 2pm and midnight on the 5 November 2012 compared to 314 calls for the same time period on 5 November 2013. There was even a reduction of 16% in all calls to service when compared to the same period last year. This time there were 1336 calls for service between 2pm and midnight on the 5 November 2012 compared to 1121 calls for service for the same time period on 5 November 2013. Chief Superintendent Rowland Moore, said:- "Merseyside Police and our partners have put in a lot of effort planning this operation and it is very encouraging to see a fall in the number of incidents. It would appear that the vast majority of young people took advantage of the numerous activities that were on offer to them across Merseyside and enjoyed the evening safely and responsibly. I would like to thank parents who have clearly listened to our advice to make sure they know what their children are doing for Bonfire Night and the young people themselves have taken advantage of all the things put on for them."

Ryanair start Winter schedules from JLA with Malta flights operating year round for the 1st time

AIRLINE Ryanair, on 6 November 2013, has commenced their Winter 2013 to 2014 schedules from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with staff celebrating flights to Malta being served for the first time during the Winter as well as the Summer.  Malta had been expected to be Summer season only destinations from Liverpool, but due to popular demand Ryanair have decided to make it a year round destination, giving the region's travellers the opportunity to seek out some warmer Winter weather.  Staff at the airport celebrated with passengers giving out information kindly provided by the Malta Tourism Authority ahead of their afternoon departure.

Robin Tudor Head of PR for Liverpool John Lennon Airport commented:- "Ryanair's winter schedules offer a great mix of destinations once again bringing passengers great value for money flights. It's also good to see a number of routes including Malta now operating from Liverpool year round too."

Lisa Cashin, Ryanair's Sales and Marketing Executive UK and Ireland added:- "We are delighted to launch the Winter schedule at Liverpool today which includes a new route to Malta bringing the total number of destinations to 26 giving travellers in the North West area even more choice this winter"

Not enough people with diabetes getting flu jab

DIABETES UK have issued a warning that lives are being put at risk because people with diabetes are not getting their free flu vaccine. Nearly a third of people under 65 with diabetes are not getting the free flu vaccine, despite being almost 6 times more likely to die from flu then someone their age who does not have the condition.  The charity is urging everyone with diabetes to take up the offer of a free flu jab, which is currently available to all those over 65 and other groups including people with diabetes. Uptake of the flu vaccine is particularly poor in children with diabetes.  Pav Kalsi, clinical advisor at Diabetes UK says:- "People with diabetes are a high-risk group when it comes to getting flu, so it is important they are vaccinated as soon as possible this winter and understand the importance of being protected. Having flu can really upset diabetes control and cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate. This can leave people with diabetes open to many serious health problems, including complications of flu such as pneumonia and bronchitis. If you have diabetes and haven't already been invited for a free flu jab, contact your GP surgery to find out when they are holding clinics."