Crime reduction 

Fireworks guidance

Thames Valley Police has produced a video which urges trick or treaters to think carefully about the consequences of their actions.

View 'Go with a bang' video (opens new window)

In the video, trick or treaters decide to see what happens when they light a firework and post it into their victim's house. Find out what one ex-prankster thinks of their choice.

Police are responsible for enforcing regulations about the use and possession of fireworks.

If you are planning a fireworks event, please comply with the firework regulations. Please also inform your neighbours so that they can take precautionary action, such as keeping their pets indoors.

It is illegal to...

• Have or use adult fireworks if you’re under the age of 18. Adult fireworks are any firework except for a cap, cracker snap, novelty match, party popper, serpent, sparkler or throw down.
• Set off fireworks between 11.00pm and 7.00am. There are different arrangements for special occasions like Guy Fawkes’ Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year (1.00am).
• Have professional fireworks without a licence.
• Sell fireworks without a licence.

Please make sure that your children do not have access to fireworks and that they act responsibly with sparklers.

Having your own fireworks party or celebrating with family and friends can be great fun, and by far the safest way to enjoy these seasonal activities is to attend a professionally organised event. If, however, you are holding your own fireworks party please don't put your family and friends at risk.

Always remember to follow the fireworks code

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Keep fireworks in a closed box.
• Follow the instructions on each firework.
• Light them at arm’s length, using a taper.
• Stand well back.
• Never go near a firework that has been lit.
• Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
• Never give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep pets indoors.

For essential fireworks and bonfire night safety advice, please visit www.365alive.co.uk (opens new window) or the Fireworks safety page (opens new window) at the Directgov website.