Anti-social behaviour helper

Summary of the problem

Anti-social behaviour involving fireworks may involve fireworks being let off late at night, to deliberate physical harm, or threat of harm, caused to people, animals and property.

It is against the law to let off fireworks after 11pm except on certain days of the year. On 5th November, fireworks can be let off until midnight and on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year fireworks can be let off until 1am.

Misusing fireworks is extremely dangerous and completely unacceptable and there are laws against fireworks misuse to protect communities. You have a right to expect firework misuse problems to be taken seriously.

Who can you report the problem to

• If the problems are because your neighbours are letting off fireworks late at night, you might want to try having a word with them – they may not realise the nuisance they are causing. You should only do this if you feel safe doing so

• Report the problem to your Anti-social Behaviour Coordinator, Team or local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Use our postcode search to find local contact details

• If you are the tenant of a social landlord (the council or a housing association), report it to your landlord

• You can also report the problem to the police using the police non-emergency number. Find your local number here

• If the situation is an emergency (if someone’s life or health is threatened) call 999

If you are unsure what to do or who to speak to, contact your anti-social behaviour team. Use our postcode search to find local contact details. If they are not directly responsible they will be able to help you to find who is.

What can be done to tackle fireworks problems?

The police and council have a range of tools and powers to deal with fireworks misuse, For example, it is illegal to throw fireworks in a public place, for anyone under 18 to be in possession of any firework, for shops to sell fireworks to children and for anyone, other than fireworks professionals to possess the biggest “Category 4” fireworks used in public displays.

The council can target shops illegally selling fireworks to children and those that do can be prosecuted in court. The police and local authorities can take action against those misusing fireworks, by:

• Giving warnings to people causing a nuisance

• Issuing on-the-spot fines

• If problems continue, acceptable behaviour contracts or agreements (ABCs/ABAs) can be used requiring the individual to stop misusing fireworks

• If the nuisance is serious and is continuing anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) can be used. They may prevent prohibit the individual carrying fireworks or lighters and matches. Breach of an ASBO is a criminal offence

• Social landlords (where the landlord is a council or housing association) can use anti-social behaviour injunctions (ASBIs) if fireworks problems are affecting their property or tenants

• Noise abatement notices can be used where noise is a problem

• Dispersal orders can be used if there are groups of people involved if the problems continue in one area, such as the local park

These are just some of the measures available. Whatever action is taken, you should expect the council or the police to keep you informed.