WE want people to enjoy their fireworks this year.
But we also want to warn those who misuse fireworks – we will be watching.
And our officers will not hesitate to hand out £80 fines for people found misbehaving with fireworks, or to take tougher action if the case merits it.
Watching fireworks is popular and fun. But fireworks are explosives and potentially dangerous, so they need careful handling and storage.
That is why there are laws in place to govern the use and possession of fireworks, and how they are stored and sold.
Today’s fireworks are safer and less noisy and can only be let off at certain times.
It also means that those misusing them to either damage property or injure will be able to be dealt with by the relevant authorities.
It is an offence under section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875 to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place.
Anyone found guilty is liable to pay a fine of up to £5,000 and can be imprisoned for up to six months, if the case is serious.
But penalty notices for disorder and on-the-spot fines of £80 can also be issued.
People may not realise it is also an offence for the under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place and for anyone to let fireworks off during night hours (11pm to 7am).
We do get complaints about fireworks being set off into the early hours of a morning and it is disturbing for people.
Again, our officers can and will issue penalty notices for disorder for these offences.
We need your help in tracking down a youth we want to talk to about a theft in Cowlersley.
The youth was captured on camera going into the BP petrol station and store on Manchester Road, Cowlersley, on Thursday, October 22, at about 10.15am.
The suspect put several packs of meat and cheese in a bag but made no attempt to pay for them at the shop till before walking away from the store.
Anyone who can help us trace this person is urged to contact Pc Sarah Dixon on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
