TROJAN fire engines will be patrolling the streets of Merseyside again this week to crack down on fire-related anti-social behaviour.

The patrols were used last year and saw the biggest drop in anti-social behaviour for 10 years as the police and fire service worked together.

Last year, dozens of people were arrested as a result of the Trojan, where fire engines are strongly supported by covert police operations and able to act immediately if there is any anti-social behaviour.

The Trojan operations have been running since October 30 and will run until November 7. So far there have been seven arrests, 24 cautions and five fixed penalty notices.

More than 3500kg of fireworks have also been seized from illegal storage or unlicensed retailers and six cautions handed out.

Group Manager Guy Keen, from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We want this to be a bonfire period to remember for all the right reasons, and we’re working with the community to make this happen.

“But we will take robust action against the small minority who get involved in fire-related anti-social behaviour and particularly those who attack firefighters going about their duties.”

The Fire Service’s Threat Response Group have been working closely with the community ahead of tomorrow to make sure bonfire night is a night everyone can enjoy.

They have been out and about collecting any discarded potential firewood to ensure it is disposed of safely and not falling into the hands of young people.

This week, community skips will be delivered to key locations in each district for residents to use. Last year, more than 100 tonnes of rubbish was removed using these skips.

For the Fire Service, this means tonnes of potential combustible material taken off the streets.

Mr Keen added: “It’s all about eliminating issues before they occur.

“We want everyone to enjoy the bonfire period and working together we can make this happen.”