A CLAMPDOWN on illegal sales of fireworks is being launched in Kirklees.
Police and trading standards officials are joining forces in a bid to end the nuisance caused by hooligans letting off fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
Police will go with trading standards officers to shops, warning them not to sell to the under-18s.
Their action will be re-inforced by a number of undercover test buys by trading standards.
Insp Mark Broadhead, of Huddersfield police, said: "We are working in partnership with trading standards to help tackle the nuisance of fireworks.
"I would encourage retailers to adhere to their voluntary agreement to restrict sales of fireworks to the three weeks before Bonfire Night and one week after."
And he warned: "Any shop found selling fireworks to people under 18 will be prosecuted. We are quite determined about that."
Insp Broadhead also urged people to be considerate to others when using fireworks.
"Our message is be considerate but, above all, be safe," he added.
Martin Wood, chief officer of West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service, said: "I am delighted this joint initiative is taking place in Kirklees between police and us.
"The sharing of intelligence ensures that known hot-spot areas are targeted and reinforces the message that illegal sales of fireworks to under-age youngsters will not be tolerated."
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