Sharjah cracks whip on sale of firecrackers

sharjah — The Sharjah Police intensified patrols to control the sale of firecrackers during and after Eid Al Adha. A top police official said the police cracked the whip on the illegal sale of firecrackers online and at grocery shops.

Brigadier-General Mohammed Rashid Beyat, director-general of police operations, said: “Due to sustained campaigning by the Sharjah Police, groceries refrained from selling firecrackers. However, they were being sold online and delivered to the shoppers’ doorsteps.”

He stressed that firecrackers used by children during festivals could cause serious injuries and lead to accidents in residential areas. It also pollutes the environment and disturbs residents, he added

“Fireworks can be an exciting part of a celebration, but no parent or child should learn about its dangers in a painful way. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children,” he added.

Colonel Al Bayat said the police need parents’ support in fighting the sale and use of firecrackers. “No incidents of injuries due to the use of firecrackers were reported this year.”

The police will continue its awareness campaigns, as it has “yielded positive results”. “The police also will continue to visit schools to deliver awareness lectures about the dangers associated with firecrackers,” added Col Al Bayat.

The official warned against selling firecrackers during the period of festivities, and urged residents to cooperate and report violators.

He said the police would arrest offenders who try to exploit Eid or other festivals to carry out illegal practices.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com