New figures obtained by this newspaper show that the Halloween period leads to a spike in crime and an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour.

Wisbech Standard: Part of Norfolk Police's 'stay safe' at Halloween campaignPart of Norfolk Police's 'stay safe' at Halloween campaign (Image: Archant)

A Freedom of Information request has confirmed that the county’s police force has, for the past five years, been under more pressure on October 31 and November 1 than in the week before the celebration.

Anti-social behaviour jumped by 39 per cent, the findings show.

In total there were 1,148 reports of anti-social behaviour in Cambridgeshire over the last five Halloween periods from October 31 to November 1, compared with 821 reports made between October 24 and October 25 since 2010.

Crime went up by 17 per cent, viewed as 961 reports over Halloween compared to 821 incidents made a week earlier.

Overall calls to the police over the last five Halloween periods compared to October 24 and October 25 climbed by 12 per cent – 6,751 in total compared to 6,044 calls.

Andrew Baxter from Cambridgeshire police said: “The figures show that traditionally there is a slight increase in calls and reports of crime over the Halloween period.

“In the run-up to Halloween we distribute posters and leaflets for those not wanting to take part in the celebrations to display in their homes.

“We also work with schools to discuss general safety, visiting houses they know and respecting the ‘no trick or treat’ signs.

“Patrols will be carried out across the county to deal with any anti-social behaviour but as always we expect that majority of people taking part in the festivities will enjoy themselves but not at the expense of others.”

More encouragingly, while the figures demonstrate a busier police force at Halloween compared to earlier in the month, the five-year analysis also shows that last year’s Halloween saw much improved figures when up against results in 2010.

Anti-social behaviour dropped 35 per cent, reports of crime fell by nearly a quarter and arrests were down by 51 per cent.