Extra police officers are to patrol the streets of Brighton on nights when there is a full moon. It follows research by the Sussex force which concluded there was a rise in violent incidents when the moon was full - and also on paydays. Insp Andy Parr said he compared crime statistics for Brighton and Hove with lunar graphs to discover the trend. The legend that people can become violent, or even turn into wolves, can be traced back to ancient times. But nobody has been able to explain a link between lunar cycles and human behaviour. A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: "Research carried out by us has shown a correlation between violent incidents and full moons." More officers will be out on Brighton's streets during full moons over the summer months, she added. Mr Parr has said he would be interested in contacting universities who may be interested in examining the link further.

He told the BBC: "From my experience, over 19 years of being a police officer, undoubtedly on full moons, we do seem to get people with, sort of, stranger behaviour - more fractious, argumentative. "And I think that's something that's been borne out by police officers up and down the country for years." Past research into the phenomenon includes a study by Professor Michal Zimecki, of the Polish Academy of Sciences, who argued that a full moon could affect criminal activity and health.

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my mom worked in a hospital. all her friends did. In the ER most will tell you they get more violent crimes and gun shot wounds during a full moon.

I've been in the bar business for 14 years and I've been tending bar for 7...I can honestly tell you that there are nights that should be busy and the joint is dead and there are nights when you would think no one would be out and the place is jamming, but if you look at the phases of the moon (and for you conspiracy theorists out there: whatever waves "they" are putting in the air) it all makes sense. Seriously, I have had the slowest weekend nights and the craziest full moon tuesdays.

PErhaps it's just because people can see better in what would be dark alleyways so they know they aren't going to be robbed D: ?

The moon influences the tides on our planet. Maybe is can influence our minds as well.

we're made of what, 90, 95, 98% water? If it can affect the ocean tides it sure as heck can affect our bodies. Ripley said it right. Any emergency room worker can tell you that full moons = wacky stuff....

I dont disagree with the likelihood that there is a lunar influence on people, but it seems to me that the British police like any excuse to put more officers on the streets.