Stay Safe and Be Considerate This Fireworks Season

Stay Safe and Be Considerate This Fireworks Season

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Anti-social behaviour – general, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

As celebrations approach, we want everyone in our community to have a brilliant—and safe—time. While fireworks are a wonderful tradition, they can also cause serious accidents, property damage, and severe distress to pets and vulnerable neighbours if used incorrectly.

If you are planning to celebrate, please keep these essential safety and legal rules in mind:
• Attend a public event: Organised community displays are by far the safest and most spectacular way to enjoy fireworks.
• Know the law: It is illegal to set off or throw fireworks in the street, parks, or any public space. You must be 18 or over to buy them.

• Watch the clock: Legally, fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am. The exception is Bonfire Night (5th November), when the cut off is extended to midnight.

• Be a good neighbour: Let your neighbours know if you plan to have a home display so they can prepare. Keep your pets safely indoors with a quiet space to help them stay calm.

• Follow the Firework Code: Only buy from reputable licensed retailers (look for the CE or UKCA mark). Light fireworks at arm's length using a taper, and never go back to a firework once lit, even if it hasn't gone off.
Let’s look out for each other and keep our neighborhood safe!

Tackling antisocial behaviour can be a complex issue, and one which requires input and action from more than just the police.

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 aims to put victims first, giving power to local people and enabling professionals to find the best solutions for their local area. 

The act provides the police, local authorities and other local agencies with flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to antisocial behaviour. 

These include: 

• civil injunctions. 

• criminal behaviour orders. 

• public spaces protection orders. 

• community protection notices. 

• dispersal powers. 

• closure powers. 

• ASB Case review 

 Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm to an individual, to their community or to their environment. This could be an action by someone else that leaves you feeling alarmed, harassed, or distressed. It also includes fear of crime or concern for public safety, public disorder, or public nuisance. 

 Examples of anti-social behaviour include: 

·       Nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours 

·       Vandalism, graffiti, and flyposting 

·       Street drinking 

·       Environmental damage including littering, dumping of rubbish and abandonment of cars 

·       Prostitution related activity 

·       Fireworks misuse 

·       Inconsiderate or inappropriate use of vehicles

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.south-wales.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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