Northumbria Police have seized £2,000 of illegal fireworks from a property in North Shields following intelligence that a resident was storing and selling them without a licence.
Acting on the information, officers visited the address in the run-up to Bonfire Night alongside North Tyneside Council's Trading Standards team and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. When the premises were accessed, the suspected illicit products were recovered.
Coordinated operation ahead of November 5
The force said it remains committed to working closely with local authorities, fire and rescue services and other partners to keep people safe, reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure a coordinated response to any firework-related incidents in the lead-up to and on November 5 itself.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Robson, who is in charge of this year's Bonfire Night operation, said: "This is a great example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when we work alongside our partners to keep communities safe and prevent fireworks from falling into the wrong hands.
"It's always important that in the run-up to November 5 we are able to take action such as this which helps to avoid disorder on Bonfire Night. Often these products do not meet safety requirements which could cause serious injury to both those who choose to set them off and people around them."
Officials urge licensed purchases
Deputy Mayor Councillor Carl Johnson, cabinet lead for Community Safety at North Tyneside Council, said: "We want everyone to be able to enjoy Bonfire Night safely and responsibly and this operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the illegal sale of fireworks in our borough.
"Working closely with our partners, we are taking action to protect residents and ensure they can feel safe in their neighbourhoods over the Bonfire Night period. If you are planning to buy fireworks, please do so only from licensed retailers and use them responsibly, keeping your neighbours and local community in mind."
Paul Russell, Area Manager for Community Safety at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, added: "Illegal fireworks pose a significant risk to public safety. By purchasing only from licensed traders, people can help protect themselves, their families and their communities.
"We will continue to work with our Police and local authority partners to target those who sell fireworks illegally, and we ask everyone to show respect for blue light personnel who are dedicated to keeping our communities safe."
Members of the public who want to report a non-emergency crime or an instance of anti-social behaviour can send the force a private message on social media or use the live chat and online report functions on the police website, while 999 should always be called in an emergency.
