Published on:
25
October 2010
The emergency services and local authorities are joining forces in their annual clampdown on anti-social behaviour during the run-up to Bonfire Night.
Operation Alamo, the multi-agency initiative, starts on Friday October 29 and runs until Sunday November 7.
Chief Superintendent Davie Flynn, head of Communities Policing with Central Scotland Police, said: "Operation Alamo is a partnership approach to tackling those behaving in an irresponsible or antisocial manner during the run up to Bonfire Night. Their thoughtless actions surrounding the use of fireworks and illegal bonfires have an impact on the quality of life in our communities. We want the public to be safe and to enjoy the period leading up to and including Bonfire Night.
"We know that incidents involving antisocial behaviour involving bonfires and fireworks increase on the approach to Bonfire Night. This impacts on the public as well as our colleagues in the fire and rescue service and the local authorities.
"It may appear fun or a good idea to set things on fire but these thoughtless actions put lives and property at risk. This will not be tolerated and there be no second chances. We don't want to spoil people's fun but we do want to keep our communities safe.
"Recently firefighters were called to deal with a wheelie bin which had been set on fire in the Falkirk area and LPG gas canisters had been thrown into it. These could have exploded and sent burning debris at least 5m. Those responsible were quickly traced and have been charged.
"Anybody caught behaving in an antisocial manner - either towards firefighters who are putting out bonfires or council staff who are dismantling them - will be dealt with appropriately. It is not acceptable for people to be verbally or physically abused as they carry out responsibilities which keep our communities safe."
This is the third year the police, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service along with the three local authorities have carried out Operation Alamo.
Officials from the local authorities, fire and police will carry out joint visits to retailers to ensure that fireworks are being stored safely and are being sold legally. Local authority officials will also remove illegal bonfires and the police will adopt a zero tolerance attitude against those caught setting off fireworks outwith the prescribed times.
Chief Superintendent Flynn warned: "We have already had a great response from the public in helping us identify when items have been removed for potential use in bonfires, where illegal bonfires have been set up and bonfires that have been lit. I would urge anyone who can provide similar information to contact their local council so that we can take the necessary action."
Director of Service Delivery at Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service, David McGown said: "Our firefighters are already dealing with many deliberately set fires in the run up to Bonfire Night. Those setting deliberate fires may not realise the danger they are putting themselves and others in. Any fire has the ability to spread quickly to nearby property, which may well mean innocent people are injured. It also means that our fire appliances are diverted away from dealing with genuine emergencies, where people are in real and urgent need of the fire service.
"Verbal and physical attacks on our firefighters will not be tolerated. This multi-agency approach will ensure that those responsible for such attacks will not get off the hook. Every attack on firefighters will be reported immediately to the police."
Clackmannanshire Councillor George Matchett, Portfolio Holder for Inclusion, said: "I am pleased that Clackmannanshire Council is once again involved in this partnership approach. We are all working together again to try and ensure that the 2010 Bonfire Night is a time when people enjoy themselves safely. I would recommend that people go to an organised fireworks display such as the one in Alloa's West End Park, where it's not only safe but you often get much bigger and better fireworks. Our antisocial behaviour and land services teams will be working with our partners in the police and fire service to reduce the antisocial impact of fireworks and illegal bonfires. Any illegal bonfires can be reported to us on 01259 450000 and they will be removed."