Northumbria Police seize £2000 worth of illegal fireworks from North Shields address
Northumbria Police and partners have joined forces to seize thousands of pounds worth of illegal fireworks in the run-up to this year’s Bonfire Night.
Police, North Tyneside Council’s Trading Standards department and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service worked together as they visited an address in North Shields.
The action was taken after officers had received intelligence that the resident was storing and selling fireworks from the property, even though they did not have a licence to do so.
Once inside the teams seized £2,000 of suspected illicit fireworks.
The officer in charge of this year’s policing operation around Bonfire Night, Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Robson, said: “This is a great example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when we work alongside our partners to keep communities safe and prevent fireworks from falling into the wrong hands.
“It’s always important that in the run-up to November 5 we are able to take action such as this which helps to avoid disorder on Bonfire Night.
“Often these products do not meet safety requirements which could cause serious injury to both those who choose to set them off and people around them.
"Our advice as ever is to preferably attend organised displays but if you do wish to set off your own fireworks make sure you buy them from a licensed retailer and follow safety advice."
Deputy Mayor Councillor Carl Johnson, cabinet lead for Community Safety at North Tyneside Council, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly - and this operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the illegal sale of fireworks in our borough.
“Working closely with our partners, we are taking action to protect residents and ensure they can feel safe in their neighbourhoods over the Bonfire Night period.
“If you are planning to buy fireworks, please do so only from licensed retailers and use them responsibly, keeping your neighbours and local community in mind.”
Paul Russell, Area Manager for Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We will continue to work with our police and local authority partners to target those who sell fireworks illegally, and we ask everyone to show respect for blue light personnel who are dedicated to keeping our communities safe.”