Police to get tough on anti-social fireworks
Monday, 10th May 2010.
Police are warning people in Haverhill not to play with fireworks, following a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour over the past ten days.
Police have received around 50 calls from members of the public since Wednesday, April 28, reporting youths throwing or setting off fireworks or bird scarers, mostly in the evening or early mornings.
Damage has been caused to a telephone box and bins when lit fireworks have been placed inside, and the noise has caused considerable distress to many residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.
Officers have spoken to a number of young people and have confiscated fireworks from some of them. Inquiries are continuing into the origin of
these fireworks.
Haverhill's new police chief, Insp Chris Galley, said: “Anyone playing with fireworks is putting themselves and others in danger. It is fortunate that no-one has been injured by a firework going off.
"A small amount of damage has been caused by fireworks being set off, and should a fire start from a lit firework this could have even bigger consequences.
“Fireworks should only be used by adults and in a controlled environment. It is an offence for a person under the age of 18 to possess outdoor fireworks, and it is also illegal for fireworks to be used after 11pm at night.
"Those people who are setting off fireworks in Haverhill are at the very least causing a nuisance to other people and such anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“I want everyone to feel safe and be safe in Haverhill. I would encourage anyone with any information about the supply and illegal use
of fireworks in the town to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team.
"Additional patrols are being carried out in areas where we have received reports of anti-social behaviour, and anyone seeing or hearing such behaviour should call police immediately.
"Any young people found with fireworks will have them confiscated and they will be taken home to be dealt with in conjunction with their parents or guardians.”
Calls should be made to Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.
Police have received around 50 calls from members of the public since Wednesday, April 28, reporting youths throwing or setting off fireworks or bird scarers, mostly in the evening or early mornings.
Damage has been caused to a telephone box and bins when lit fireworks have been placed inside, and the noise has caused considerable distress to many residents, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.
Officers have spoken to a number of young people and have confiscated fireworks from some of them. Inquiries are continuing into the origin of
these fireworks.
Haverhill's new police chief, Insp Chris Galley, said: “Anyone playing with fireworks is putting themselves and others in danger. It is fortunate that no-one has been injured by a firework going off.
"A small amount of damage has been caused by fireworks being set off, and should a fire start from a lit firework this could have even bigger consequences.
“Fireworks should only be used by adults and in a controlled environment. It is an offence for a person under the age of 18 to possess outdoor fireworks, and it is also illegal for fireworks to be used after 11pm at night.
"Those people who are setting off fireworks in Haverhill are at the very least causing a nuisance to other people and such anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“I want everyone to feel safe and be safe in Haverhill. I would encourage anyone with any information about the supply and illegal use
of fireworks in the town to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team.
"Additional patrols are being carried out in areas where we have received reports of anti-social behaviour, and anyone seeing or hearing such behaviour should call police immediately.
"Any young people found with fireworks will have them confiscated and they will be taken home to be dealt with in conjunction with their parents or guardians.”
Calls should be made to Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.
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