Halloween patrols in south Norfolk helped to dramatically reduce anti-social behaviour call outs at the weekend, officers said yesterday.

Police only had to attend one incident of criminal damage on Sunday, which involved two youngsters who were arrested for breaking a window at Dickleburgh.

Officials from Norfolk Police and South Norfolk Council hailed the success of patrols, which saw district councillors Martin Wilby, Jenny Wilby, Neal Ward and Glyn Walden walking the streets and talking to revellers in Harleston, Wymondham, and Diss alongside PCs, PCSOs and town councillors. The mayor of Wymondham, Colin Foulger, also assisted with patrols.

The three towns also had their own roving reporters out and about, thanks to South Norfolk Youth Action radio, who were delivering updates and reports every 15 minutes and interviewed police officers on patrol and local residents.

Tracey Prowting, chief inspector for South Norfolk at Norfolk Police said: 'I am pleased with the support and efforts put in by local volunteers on the night. Their dedication and willingness to patrol meant we were able to offer a high visibility patrols across the board, which led to the reassurance of residents both involved in trick and treating and those not.'