Night curfew on children brings anti-social behaviour down by 15 per cent

Daily Mail 7th September 2008

Recommended: PC Marc Griffin of Devon and Cornwall Police says the curfew was a success

Campaigners have called for a night curfew for children to be extended across Britain after a trial scheme saw crime plunge by 15 per cent.

They said that since Operation Goodnight was introduced around a month ago, there has been a dramatic fall in anti-social behaviour in Redruth, Cornwall.

Police asked 600 parents to ensure all children under 16 were indoors by 9pm and those aged ten and under at home by 8pm.

In the following month 106 crimes were recorded, a fall of 15 on the same period last year.

The area, which has a population of 13,000, has one of the worst crime records in Cornwall, although the figures are still below the national average.

Judy Roberts, 19, a nursery worker who lives in the area, said: 'The problem was the groups of young people hanging around were quite scary - particularly for the older residents.

'It definitely feels safer - even though it's a voluntary scheme.'

PC Marc Griffin, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: 'People are saying they feel safe for the first time and that they can sleep with their windows open and not be woken up.

'It's nice and quiet now. We haven't had kids out till all hours causing a nuisance and keeping people awake.

'I would recommend Operation Goodnight to anyone.'