Police launch Bonfire Night crackdown
Published 23 Oct 2012 10:00
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CENTRAL Scotland Police, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities are launching their annual initiative clamping down on anti-social behaviour during the run up to Bonfire Night.
Operation Alamo, the multi-agency initiative, starts on Sunday 28 October running until Tuesday 6 November.
Chief Superintendent Davie Flynn, head of Communities Policing with Central Scotland Police, said, "Operation Alamo is now in its fifth year and it is a successful way for us and our partners to work together to tackle issues surrounding the anti-social use of fireworks and bonfires.
"We are not trying to stop anybody's fun, but we do want people to enjoy Bonfire Night in a safe manner without impacting on the quality of other people's lives.
"However, since the beginning of October we have already received an increase in reports of small fires being set and this is completely reckless. It may appear to be good fun to set things on fire, but these thoughtless actions put lives and property at risk.
"This will not be tolerated and anybody behaving in an anti-social manner - either towards firefighters who are putting out bonfires, or council staff who are dismantling them - will be dealt with firmly.
"It is not acceptable for people to be verbally or physically abused as they carry out responsibilities which keep communities safe."
Visits to retailers will also be carried out by officials from the Trading Standards departments of Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Councils to ensure that fireworks legislation is followed.
Councillor Craig Holden, depute leader of Clackmannanshire Council said, "We would encourage everyone before, during and after Bonfire Night to act in a proper, safe and responsible manner.
"I encourage parents and children, if they are going out on November 5th, to attend one of the two organised Bonfire events in the county, at West End Park, Alloa, being organised by the Round Table, or the other in Dollar, being run by the Community Council."
Gordon Pryde, Group Manager, Community Safety for Central Scotland Fire and Rescue, said, "Bonfire Night is one of our busiest nights of the year. On the night itself and the weeks leading up to it, we see a significant increase in calls involving fires which can be directly linked to anti-social behaviour.
"We are tackling this issue through education programmes emphasising the dangers of being involved in this type of behaviour. When our crews are out attending incidents, it is important that the public work with us to ensure the safety of the wider community.
"On Bonfire Night itself we want people to enjoy a good, safe evening so would encourage everyone, where possible, to attend organized events and help us reduce the incidents of fire caused by anti-social behaviour."
For further advice about fireworks contact Stirling Council Trading Standards on 0845 277 7000 or email tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk
The council will remove bonfires that are positioned inappropriately or are likely to result in damage to property or local residents.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 23 Oct 12
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