Gardaí are reminding people in Clare it’s illegal to buy, use, or ignite fireworks without a licence.
With preparations underway for Halloween festivities, An Garda Síochána is advising people to be safe and sensible.
Operation Tombola is focussing on preventing and detecting the sale of fireworks and associated public order and anti-social behaviour issues ahead of “All Hallow’s Eve.”
Sergeant Edel Burke from Clare’s Crime Prevention Office is warning people that fireworks are dangerous, unpredictable and can cause serious injurie such as burns or loss of fingers and she says bonfires also pose a serious risk to safety.
“Stay away from bonfires, as they can be dangerous and collapse unexpectedly. You can report the gathering of items used for a bonfire to your local garda station and we will work with Clare County Council to dismantle them. Keep dangerous substances away from bonfires such as petrol, oil or diesel.
“By following simple advice, you can make sure you, your family, friends and neighbours can all have a safe Halloween.
“Please be mindful and respectful that not everyone in your community will be participating, skip houses that have no lights on, when trick or treating.
“Children should always be accompanied by an adult.
“Remember it is a criminal offence for anyone to throw fireworks in the street, or in other public spaces.
“Do not engage in throwing things like eggs and flour. This is vandalism and may be classed as criminal damage.
“Keep your animals indoors on Halloween night to prevent them running away.
” If you witness or are the victim of anti-social behaviour over Halloween, please report same to your local garda station or call 999 and your local gardaí will respond.
“An Garda Síochana is also asking drivers to slow down and show extra caution while driving over Halloween, as more people, including small children, will be out on roads.
“If you, or a friend, or someone in your group finds themselves in danger, in an emergency at any time during Halloween, or feel unsafe in your home, please call 999/112 for our assistance and that of other frontline services.”
