Disorder during fireworks period dramatically down from last year

Secondary fires caused by antisocial behaviour during this year's firework period dramatically dropped this year, according to figures from Southwark Council, the police and the London Fire Brigade.

The number of deliberately caused fires associated with antisocial behaviour and firework disorder between 15 October and 10 November, when fireworks go on sale, was nearly 60% lower than the same period last year.

Also down is the number of firework related disorder calls to the police, which shows a drop of over 30% from last year.

Councillor John Friary, cabinet member for community safety at Southwark Council, said: "This result is a real testament to the work of the fire service, the police and the community safety team here at the council. From getting out important safety messages to thousands of school children, to being ultra vigilant on the streets, to being tough on illegal sales, the combined efforts of all partners involved have really paid off." 

Andy Snazell, London Fire Brigade Borough Commander for Southwark, said: "In partnership with the local authority and the police we have been running a programme of preventative and enforcement initiatives for the last six years. This year's results show the continued success of the programme. The programme has been so successful that for a number of years it was used as best practice by the government office for London and it continues to be used in other local authorities."   

Chief Superintendent Wayne Chance, Borough Commander in Southwark said: "It is really important that Southwark residents should be able to enjoy the Autumn Halloween and Fireworks Night period in safety and free from anti-social behaviour. I'm delighted that the London fire Brigade have reported a significant decrease in calls to problems. This is a clear indication of the success of Operation Autumn Nights, a partnership operation which saw an increased police and local authority presence on the streets of Southwark."

Further details  

Number of deliberate secondary fires associated with antisocial behaviour and firework disorder  

 Number of firework disorder related calls to the police service in Southwark 

For more information on the community safety work of Southwark Council, please visit www.southwark.gov.uk/keepingyousafe.