Stop your local area becoming a Firework hotspot

14th October 2019

Crimestoppers campaign asks communities to give firework misuse information 100% anonymously.

Today (14th October 2019) independent charity Crimestoppers is launching a campaign to tackle firework misuse.

Supported by Scottish Government's Building Safer Communities, the campaign aims to raise awareness of firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting and encourage the public to contact the charity 100% anonymously if they know or suspect someone involved.

Firework misuse can have a massive impact on communities in Scotland with some local areas experiencing anti-social behaviour linked to fireworks.

The initiative will complement a national Scottish Government campaign and focus on communities in Edinburgh, Glasgow and West Lothian who have experienced higher levels of firework misuse. These communities have been involved in the preparations of the campaign.

Angela Parker National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland, said:"The lead-up to bonfire night is meant to be fun for people, but can end up being frightening for many. Firework misuse puts people, property and pets at risk, so we have worked closely with a range of partners to devise a campaign that will enable local people to give information about firework misuse 100% anonymously.

"Residents will receive a postcard highlighting the issue and how to give information anonymously to Crimestoppers charity. We are distributing posters, running a targeted social media campaign and using our fearless.org youth programme to reach young people in local schools."

Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham said:"The Scottish Government's ambition is for all of Scotland's communities to be safe places for everyone to live, work and enjoy. We all have a part to play in making that vision a reality. Misuse of fireworks in our communities can be hugely damaging and distressing, and should not be tolerated. I would encourage anyone who witnesses or has information about criminality relating to fireworks to report it so that action can be taken to prevent further harm and to keep people safe.

"Crimestoppers' unique reporting service allows people to provide information entirely anonymously about crime they know of or suspect. By using this service people can help to prevent, detect and solve crime within their local community."

Crimestoppers Fireworks Campaign - Scotland