POLICE have recorded a reduction in the number of anti-social incidents reported for Hallowe'en compared with the same period last year.

Eighty-six anti-social incidents were reported in the 24 hours to midnight on Tuesday, October 31, compared with 108 in the same day in 2005. Most of the incidents were related to egg-throwing.

A police spokesman said: "It seems the strong message we have put out has had its effect and has been heeded. We very much welcome this and look to the trend continuing.

"We are also conscious that the media in general has played its part in promoting the more positive aspects of Hallowe'en, and encouraging the public to avoid its negative aspects - and this is to be welcomed too.

"In the light of this we urge everyone in the community to adopt a similarly responsible attitude to fireworks and Bonfire Night - so that folk are able to enjoy the occasion without creating danger or anti-social problems for others."

Police were called to an incident at St John's yesterday evening when a group of 15 youths, most in their mid-teens, were letting off fireworks in the alleyway next to the youth centre and astro-turf sports area.

A number of fireworks were seized for analysis, and the investigation of the incident is continuing.

The spokesman added: "This is a good indication of the robust way in which we intend to police the anti-social or illegal use of fireworks."