ON THE BEAT Warning issued on fireworks
As we approach the fifth of November and the Bonfire Night events, you will no doubt be aware that shops across the area have already begun the sale of fireworks.
The lead up to Bonfire Night each year presents us with various issues ranging from frightened animals to people with significant and life changing injuries.
Responsible firework use is not without its own risks, however it’s when fireworks fall into the wrong hands that our intervention is often required.
As such I’d like to remind you of the following.
It is an offence to:
■ Possess fireworks under the age of 18
■ Sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18
■ Let off fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am (midnight on Bonfire Night)
■ Throw or set off fireworks in a public place, for example a public park
■ Cause unnecessary suffering to animals
If you know or suspect someone is responsible for firework misuse or starting deliberate fires, then please contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency, or you can also access fearless.org online.
On October 14 a 74-year-old man suffered an attack in the public park, Glasgow Road, Blantyre.
The man was allegedly approached by a group of youths who shouted and swore at him, punched him to the ground and began kicking him on the body. Police were contacted by a member of the public, and following enquires police traced and arrested two males, aged 15 and 12, who are being reported.
Police will be patrolling the area and a zero-tolerance approach will be taken in regards to youth disorder and antisocial behaviour.
On October 17 police attended Marquis Avenue, Hamilton, following a report of a male in possession of a machete.
On police arrival, a male matching the description was traced and a machete was recovered.
The male then allegedly resisted arrest and punched a police officer several times to the face and head.
The male was also allegedly found to be in possession of 12.7g of cocaine. A 30-year-old male was arrested and held custody for court.
If you have any relevant information or matters that you feel should be reported to the police, you can do so by calling ‘101’, or you can also call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.