ROCHFORD enjoyed an almost trouble-free Halloween, according to local cops.

Officers mounted an operation to tackle anti-social behaviour along with Rochford District Council and the Rochford District Community Safety Partnership.

In the nine hours between 5pm on Tuesday, October 31 and 2am on Wednesday, November 1 police dealt with 15 incidents of antisocial behaviour and youth nuisance related to Halloween.

Inspector Andy Parkman, of Rayleigh police, said: “We’re really pleased with the outcome of the operation and the reduction in anti-social behaviour incidents we’ve seen compared to previous years.

“We appreciate the support we received from our partners in achieving this result, more importantly I want to thank parents who took a responsible outlook in respect to the guidance they gave their children about appropriate behaviour on the night.”

Rochford District Council Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Graham Browne accompanied officers on their patrol to engage with young people out on the streets.

He said: “We are very pleased with the way things went on the evening and the vast majority of the young people we came across were well behaved and only intent on enjoying themselves.

“ I’d particularly like to thank local schools and the police Youth Officers who work with them for their co-operation in raising the issues of keeping safe and acting responsibility with their pupils.

"Thanks are also due to the many local retailers and traders who backed our campaign and did not sell eggs and flour to young people.”