Young people urged to speak up on illegal fireworks

Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers, has today launched a new campaign across County Durham to help keep young people safe and encourage them to speak up and stay safe this Autumn. Focusing on Bonfire Night, the charity is encouraging young people to remember that they have an important role in keeping themselves, their family, friends, and community safe from the illegal sale and the misuse of fireworks.

The Snapchat campaign, which is in partnership with Durham County Council, will run up to Bonfire Night.  Young people are reminded that it is illegal to buy ‘adult’ fireworks if under 18, and it’s against the law to set off or throw fireworks in the street or in a public place. Buying fireworks from unlicensed sellers is illegal and dangerous. These fireworks may not meet safety standards, increasing the risk of serious injury.

The charity is urging young people to not feel forced into silence for fear of stigma or reprisal, but to speak up with information if they have been offered illegal fireworks or know who is deliberately fire raising or misusing fireworks in their local area at fearless.org. This dedicated website is for young people to pass on information 100% anonymously – this means that their IP address won’t be tracked, and nobody will ever know the information came from them. By taking a positive decision that will never lead back to them, they are making their community safer for everyone.

Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: 

“According to the NHS, around 2,000 people in the UK visit A&E each year due to firework related injuries during the bonfire night season, with victims often suffering from severe burns which require long-term treatment, surgeries and rehabilitation.

We are asking anyone with information on those selling ‘adult’ fireworks to under 18’s to get in touch with our charity today, 100% anonymously either online at Fearless.org, online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or calling 0800 555 111.  We are here for you to speak up and stay safe all year round.”