Police launch firework warning video
The dangers of young people playing with fireworks is shown on YouTube clip released by Thames Valley police
POLICE have released a video warning young people of the dangers of playing with fireworks.
The short film by Thames Valley Police aims to encourage young people to think carefully about the consequences of their actions while out and about with their friends, and is available to view on YouTube.com
It features an interview with a teenager who was previously convicted after he put a firework through the letterbox of a house that was then gutted by fire.
The film shows a group of teenagers trick or treating and the choices they make when they are told to go away by a local resident, including the potential for causing criminal damage and risking arrest and a criminal record by putting a lighted firework through a letterbox.
The video clip “Click Your Trick” has been made to drive home the message that young people need to think carefully about the consequences of their actions before they embark on Bonfire Night activity.
Chief Supt David Lewis said the film clearly showed "the devastating consequences" of the misuse and abuse of fireworks.
“Apart from causing injury to people and damage to property, this kind of behaviour can land you in court and result in a criminal record which will affect you for the rest of your life," he said.
He added that teenagers and young people were often influenced by their friends to do "silly things" that were sometimes criminal.
"We would urge them to think very carefully about the consequences of their actions and stay safe this Bonfire Night. Have fun with your friends but play it safe and don't throw fireworks in the street.”
Several firework displays are being held in and around West Berkshire tonight (Saturday).
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To report anti-social behaviour contact the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number telephone 0845 8 505 505. In an emergency dial 999.
To view the film, click below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZbrG4cReD4
