LAUNCHING fireworks into the road and throwing eggs at cars were just some of the Halloween incidents police were faced with last night.

But the small groups of youths causing trouble in and around Millbrook were no match for officers on patrol.

The Daily Echo joined police on patrol and witnessed first-hand the issues officers faced, and what they did to keep the area safe for families and young children.

Officers were tasked with a number of small incidents including the antisocial use of fireworks at Mansel Park and youths throwing eggs and fireworks into traffic on Shirley High Street.

READ MORE: Gang of teens launch firework at car with young child in the back

In another incident, a group of teenagers threw a banger through the window of Redbridge Fire Station.

All of the incidents were dealt with swiftly, with groups of teenagers moved on from the area.

Last year, Millbrook residents were terrorised by a large gang of youths causing havoc in the neighbourhood.

Four cars were flipped, shop windows were smashed, and a hedgehog was cruelly tortured to death.

In a bid to prevent a repeat of last year, Hampshire Constabulary put together a strategic plan for the area this year.

READ MORE: Six dispersal zones set up to prevent Halloween trouble

Sergeant Kingston of the beat team for Southampton West said: "Halloween last year we saw a significant rise in crime and disorder across the city, particularly focused around Maybush.

"We saw large groups of youths causing a number of issues and we are hoping that this year we have put a plan in place to minimise that issue."

The team started putting the plan in place around three months ago to ensure that officers were prepared for a potential influx of antisocial behaviour in the area.

Dispersal zones were enforced in Maybush, South Millbrook and Lordshill shopping precinct from 3pm on Monday, October 31 until 3am on Tuesday, November 1.

READ MORE: Hedgehog dies after being ‘cruelly tortured’ by teens during Halloween crime spree

A number of officers had their shifts changed so there were more on hand in the evening.

"We have more than twice as many officers work this year as we did last year," Sg Kingston explained.

"We have a number of specialists including a dog unit, a drone unit and we even have officers from the marine unit who are helping us this year."

Stg Kingston said that it was "hugely important" to engage with the community.

He added: "It's not just about the police coming in and stamping on crime and disorder for fun - it's quite the opposite.

"For us, it's about getting out there and talking with the community. We need to engage with the community to find out what's bothering them, what issues are they having, and how can we help them enjoy Halloween safely."

As well as the police, Youth Options were also in the area and the Testlands Hub put on a Halloween-themed grotto which saw around 300 people attend.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook