Bonfire Night
Are you familiar with the laws around fireworks?
- It is illegal to sell fireworks to under 18s
- It is illegal for a person under 18 to possess an adult firework in a public place. This excludes sparklers, caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throw downs.
- It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except:
- 5 November – extended to midnight
Bonfire Night and the weekends either side are set to be some of the busiest times of year for our Contact Centres where 999 and 101 calls and online reports are taken.
As an emergency service, we will always prioritise 999 calls so you may experience a delay when making a non-emergency call on 101.
If your call is not an emergency, you can report a crime or anti-social behaviour to us online. A dedicated team of operators work 24/7 to read and act on reports that are submitted, meaning you don’t have to wait on hold for your 101 call to be answered.
Police officers will be conducting extra patrols around Bonfire Night to disrupt anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
Please remember that fireworks can legally be set off between 7am and 11pm, and on Bonfire Night between 7am and midnight. We will not respond to reports of fireworks during these hours.
Remember:
- An organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks.
- Fireworks are noisy which can upset very young or elderly people as well as pets.
- Fireworks can cause damage and serious injuries if not used properly.
- Small fires should be reported to the Fire & Rescue service on 999. Small fires can quickly escalate and firefighters are better equipped to deal with these situations.
As always, if a crime is in progress or if you feel your life is in danger then call 999. For non-emergencies, you can report crimes and anti-social behaviour online or by calling 101.