Police call on parents and youth leaders to ensure that Halloween festivities are safe

For some individuals ‘trick or treating’, fireworks and sparklers may result in a rather nasty surprise, and Superintendent Sean Wright has warned anyone caught breaking the law will be dealt with robustly.

He said: “The weeks prior to and after Halloween are becoming an increasingly busy time of the year for the Police Service. We continually receive reports of criminal damage and youths causing annoyance to vulnerable people within the area. We want to make it clear that anyone caught breaking the law will be dealt with robustly. Parents need to make sure they know the whereabouts of their children and to make sure that they are not engaging in any criminal activity or criminal damage to property. Individuals are also being urged to pay close attention to their own personal safety, if they intend to be in the vicinity of fireworks or sparklers. Fireworks contain explosive, flammable substances, which can cause serious injury to an individual or damage to property. Children using sparklers should also be closely supervised.”

Police have stressed that the law clearly states that fireworks must be bought from a licensed dealer who is required to keep sales records. Fireworks bought from other sources could be of a sub-standard quality, with the potential to cause serious injury.

Supt. Wright added: “We would also appeal to the community to help us stamp out illegal trading and misuse of fireworks by contacting local police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”