Blue touch paper lit on Operation Treacle -Firework patrols launched

11.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Oct 2008

A DEDICATED team will patrol the streets of Oldham to crackdown on louts misbehaving with fireworks.

They will issue fines and confiscate fireworks in a bid to make the weeks surrounding Bonfire Night safe and enjoyable for all.

The launch of the patrols, staffed by uniformed police officers, trading standards officers and members of the newly- formed Challenge and Support team, sees Oldham Council stepping up its firework safety campaign this year.

Codenamed Operation Treacle, the patrols will be deployed every night, between 5pm and midnight, until November 9.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, Councillor Mark Alcock, said: "This is a high profile, rapid response capability we have introduced in our fight against anti-social behaviour involving fireworks. It blights many residents and their pets' lives across Oldham at this time of year.

"The council is committed to working with our partners to stamp out this nuisance and we will use this patrol to seek out troublemakers and take enforcement action.

"This could include on-the-spot fines, prosecution, confiscation of fireworks, enforcement notices or anti-social behaviour orders."

Supt Stuart Goodwin, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "This is a major partnership operation for the police in Oldham. Our aim is to provide a high visibility presence - particularly in hotspot areas for fireworks disorder.

"It is now an offence for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place and for anybody to possess the bigger, professional fireworks. We will be using these patrols to proactively enforce these new measures."

The patrols aim to provide a high visibility presence and public reassurance, while enforcing fireworks legislation.

They will also gather intelligence relating to the illegal sale and misuse of fireworks, monitor planned displays and provide safety information and specialist back-up support to operational officers on firework seizures.

Residents can report incidents to the council by phoning 0161-770 3000, or the police on 0161-872 5050.

Oldham Chronicle

17-10-08