Police in Ayrshire are working with partners and communities to promote safety and tackle antisocial behaviour this bonfire and firework season.
The national annual safety initiative, named Operation Moonbeam since 2018, was officially launched today (Thursday 31st October 2019) and will once again provide communities across Scotland with reassurance that firework-related criminality will not be tolerated.
In Ayrshire local officers have been working alongside local councils and the fire service to inspect the premises of firework retailers, to promote safety in communities and in the coming days services will conduct joint patrols to target bonfire related disorder.
Officers in East Ayrshire have been working with East Ayrshire Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to coordinate the response to bonfires, fireworks and disorder in the area. Partners recently came together at Kilmarnock Fire Station to launch this year’s local safety initiative [pictured].
Chief Inspector Steven Meikle, Area Commander in East Ayrshire and Chair of the local Safer Communities Delivery Group, commented “bonfire night and the period surrounding it is traditionally one of the busiest in the calendar for the emergency services.
“We continue to build on our partnership work each year and are working together to ensure our communities, officers and partners remain safe.
“Our Campus Police Officers have been speaking with young people about the consequences of getting involved in crime and antisocial behaviour but also on the dangers associated with fireworks.
“We are working to prevent the unlicensed sale of fireworks and to remind people of the laws surrounding their use.
“We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable bonfire night.”
For the latest bonfire and firework safety advice visit: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/bonfire-safety.aspx