Good guys plan to stop anti-social behaviour rocketing

As Bonfire Night approaches, Rochdale police officers are joining forces with Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

Under the Fireworks Regulations Act 2004, police can issue fixed penalty notices of £80 to anyone in possession of fireworks in a public place whilst under the age of 18, or to anyone who lets off fireworks between 11pm and 7am*. Those possessing a ‘professional use only’ firework can also be fined.

Police officers are also working with Trading Standards to implement the successful ‘Good Guy’ scheme, where responsible firework retailers sign up to help reduce nuisance and anti-social behaviour associated with fireworks. 'Good Guy' traders are committed to selling fireworks between 15 October and 10 November, and providing customers with useful advice on the safe use of fireworks and storing fireworks safely.

Test purchases will be carried out on both 'Good Guy' members and non-members to check they don’t sell illegal fireworks like air bombs and bangers, or sell fireworks to under 18s.
 
Chief Inspector John Martin of Rochdale Division, said: “We recognise from consultation with residents that rogue fireworks and anti-social behaviour affect our community, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and we will work hard to tackle this problem.

“Fireworks can be lethal if they fall into the wrong hands, and so we recommend only buying them from reputable outlets and going to professionally organised displays where the emphasis is on safety.  If people are going to hold their own fireworks event we would ask them to observe the Fireworks Code.”

Chief Trading Standards Officer for Rochdale Council Andy Glover said: “We are committed to working with Greater Manchester Police to ensure that people have a good, safe time on Bonfire Night. Through implementing the ‘Good Guy’ scheme we are greatly reducing the chances of young people getting their hands on fireworks and using them irresponsibly, and this should lead to fewer fireworks-related incidents.”

A new addition to this year's scheme is the introduction of a local number where the public can report a range of issues including anti-social behaviour with fireworks and unsafe bonfires. In each township, Community Safety Officers will direct the calls to the relevant service. You can reach your local Community Safety Officers on the following numbers:

• Rochdale - 01706 924982 / 01706 924979 / 01706 924980
• Heywood - 01706 691835 ext 227
• Middleton - 0161 643 1955
• Littleborough - 01706 757627