Missile launcher looks like a gun (From Penarth Times)

Missile launcher looks like a gun

PENARTH police are taking stock of a major haul of missiles seized from local youths after Hallowe'en.

Among the usual discoveries of eggs and flour, and a large number of fireworks, police recovered a homemade missile launcher designed to direct fireworks along a specified path.

Fashioned from pieces of piping it was shaped like a gun. It even had a sight for precision aiming.

There was evidence it had been used already and even though it had been abandoned before police could trace the owner, they are hoping to identify the culprit from CCTV footage.

Despite the haul, the division is hailing this Hallowe'en as a huge success as the number of arrests was dramatically decreased.

Deputy divisional commander for the Vale, Chief Insp James Moore said: "The CCTV van together with a large police presence proved to be a great success. In comparison to last year there were fewer public disorder incidents.

However, there were still the few who persisted in trying to spoil Hallowe'en for some and use it as an excuse to commit crime.

"I am still concerned with the number of youths congregating on the streets at this time of year. Everyone has a role to play in tackling crime and we encourage every member of the community, including parents, to help make the Vale a safer place to live."

PC Simon Rees added: "By far the most worrying aspect of this Hallowe'en was the discovery of the launcher.

But when the person responsible is found he or she will face serious penalties. To anyone on the street, especially in the dark it looks like a firearm and that is an offence."