We at NLA are working together with Merseyside Police, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to promote firework safety and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.
Do have fun with your friends but please allow everyone to enjoy this period.
Think about how your actions can affect others:
- Tricks that you play on people can be very frightening and can have serious consequences.
- Some people feel that they have been targeted personally and may not leave their homes for weeks after a so-called ‘trick’ has been played on them.
- Be aware of your actions. This time of year can be very frightening for the elderly and very young and can cause distress or lead to illness. If you have elderly relatives think about how you would feel if they felt frightened or intimidated by a so-called ‘trick’.
- Some ‘tricks’ that you play on people could cause damage to homes and property.
- Fireworks are explosives and they are dangerous – some burn at 1,2000 degrees Fahrenheit!
What will happen if you are involved in actions that may cause distress and/or damage:
- The police can arrest those responsible for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
- Throwing missiles at houses, vehicles and people is a criminal offence. If you are caught by or reported to the police you can be arrested, and receive a £60 fine or a criminal record.
- If you are under 16 and found in possession of a firework, including bangers, you can be arrested and fined £60. This even includes carrying fireworks in your pockets.
- You can also be arrested if you:
1. throw or light a firework in the street
2. make a bonfire in the street
3. cause injury, endanger or annoy others with a firework - If you are fined, even if you don’t have any money, your parents or guardian will have to pay the fine for you.
Remember, it is safer to go to an organised firework display
Don’t forget there are lots of great activities and events happening right across Merseyside that you can get involved in at this time of year: You can find out what’s going on in your area and how to stay safe by clicking here or by following Merseyside Police on Twitter and Facebook.
Please note:
Merseyside Police is aware that the majority of young people’s behaviour is acceptable throughout Merseyside and it is only the actions of a small minority that causes upset within the community.