CRACKDOWN ON BONFIRE YOBS
An operation has been launched to tackle anti-social behaviour in Sunderland after fireworks were hurled at firefighters and police officers last Bonfire Night.
Launched today, the week-long operation, called Operation Extinguish, will run in Southwick by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumbria Police, Sunderland City Council and housing provider Gentoo.
It comes after an ‘unprecedented’ attack last year where yobs threw fireworks at firefighters and police officers who were patrolling the area on Bonfire Night.
Since April last year, crews have attended 349 deliberate fires in the Southwick and Redhill area – making it the highest in Tyne and Wear.
Grant Brotherton, head of prevention and education for the fire and rescue service, said: “Not only do delib- erate fires present huge risks to the perpetrators, cause damage to local properties and the environment, they also present a challenge to us. If we are attending deliberate fires, we are unavailable to attend other fires or emergencies.
“Parents can’t always know where there children are, but they can talk to them about the risks – risks that could leave them scarred for life or end up with a criminal record. Deliberately starting fires can quickly turn into something very serious.”
Operational crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be targeting local businesses to provide information on arson prevention and the importance of reporting fly-tipping to the local council.
Neighbourhood inspector Don Wade said: “This initiative has come about as a result of issues we had in Southwick and Redhill wards last year in particular where fireworks were being aimed deliberately at police officers, fire crews and unfortunately at some home addresses.
“That led to a wide-ranging investigation which resulted in 17 people being arrested for a variety of offences.
“We want to prevent the small minority who are ruining it for everybody else.
“We know that people like to enjoy fireworks, they like to enjoy Bonfire Night, but there is a small minority who go out and try to spoil it for everyone else.”
Inspector Wade added: “Enjoy fireworks, enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly. Don’t engage with in crime and anti-social behaviour with them because if you do then you are liable to arrest and prosecution. Some people ended up serving custodial sentences last year as a result of that, so think twice before you’re going to engage in that type of behaviour.”
“Wewanttoprevent thesmallminority who are ruining it for everybodyelse” DONWADE