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Search forDamping down bad bonfire behaviour
Wednesday, November 05, 2008, 07:00
But for a couple of hours of bright lights and "oohs" and "ahhs", there are weeks of noise pollution from people setting off fireworks early, and many hours of extra policing.
Are the festivities worth it?
Every year thousands of people enjoy fireworks responsibly, at events such as Sparks in the Dark in St Helen's in Swansea.
However, some people continue to misuse fireworks and act irresponsibly, using Bonfire Night as an excuse to cause havoc.
Last year in Neath Port Talbot alone there were 50 incidents reported to the police that were directly related to Bonfire Night.
Bryncoch Football Club were hit with a £2,000 bill after an arson attack on Guy Fawkes night, which ruined most of their sports equipment.
However, compared to previous years, that was a relatively low number and was seen by officers as a success.
Meanwhile, the anti-social behaviour team at the Safer Swansea Partnership saw 56 referrals during the so-called "mischief week" from Halloween to Bonfire Night last year — these were for persistent episodes of bad behaviour such as throwing stones or fireworks, egging houses or running amok in people's gardens.
This year, South Wales Police, in conjunction with Operation Be A Nice Guy (Bang) — which has been hailed a success in the past — are warning that any behaviour where fireworks are used illegally or dangerously will not be tolerated.
To make sure everyone can enjoy the night and stay safe, police patrols will be paying particular attention to incidents involving the misuse of fireworks.
Regulations introduced in 2004 make it an offence to throw fireworks in the street or any public place, with offenders facing fines of up to £5,000 and a possible prison sentence.
Sergeant William Williams, who is leading this year's campaign, said: "We are aware that for many, especially the elderly and people with young children or pets, fireworks night and the nights around it can be very distressing, as one person's fun becomes another person's fright.
"In the wrong hands, or used the wrong way, fireworks can be incredibly dangerous to the person using them and people in the area.
"However, we have been working closely with our partners at trading standards and the fire and rescue service to ensure safety messages are adhered to as a matter of priority".
Police officers will be enforcing the law and making full use of their powers to issue penalty notices for disorder — which can come with a fine of £80.
In the run up to both Halloween and Bonfire Night known trouble- makers were warned to behave.
A team from the Safer Swansea Partnership were knocking on the doors of those who cause problems last year.
Nicci Southard-Stuart, Safer Swansea's anti-social behaviour reduction co-ordinator, said this time of year could be quite distressing, especially for older people.
She said: "Halloween and bonfire night are the busiest time of the year for the emergency services."
Constable Alison Yeandle said: "Those who do not heed warnings could become subject to an acceptable behaviour contract or, in extreme cases, an anti-social behaviour order."
But Bonfire Night is supposed to be fun too.
Guy Richardson, who has managed The Fireworks Shop in West Street, Kingsbridge for five years, has been spreading the message that fireworks can be fun if used properly.
He said he was determined no customers left his shop without understanding the dangers fireworks cause.
He said: "Everybody will receive a safety code with their fireworks. I wanted to spread the message that fireworks can be fun if used in the correct manner.
"There are a lot of illegal fireworks going around, many of which have been imported. I want to remind people that they should go to a reputable dealer."
Carmarthenshire Council head of public protection Philip Davies echoed those sentiments.
He said: "I cannot stress enough the dangers of illegal fireworks that do not conform to British standards. They can be unsafe, unpredictable and can lead to horrific injuries."
Housing and public protection executive board member Hugh Evans said: "People should follow the common sense rules in the fireworks code to ensure bonfire night remains a safe one."
Let's hope tonight is remembered for all the right reasons.
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