Police step up campaign to stop illegal fireworks at New Year

Dutch police say they will take a “zero tolerance” approach to illegal New Year fireworks in the first year after a ban was imposed on most types of rockets and firecrackers.

A nationwide crackdown was launched after the ban came into force on August 1, including monitoring border crossings and checking vehicles that have been used in the past to import illegal firerworks.

“One of the conditions for introducing the fireworks ban was an extensive enforcement plan,” Ko Minderhoud, national fireworks co-ordinator for the Dutch police force, told the Telegraaf.

“We have a larger team than ever ready to go and we are starting earlier.”

MPs voted to ban all fireworks apart from the lightest category, F1, which includes sparklers and Roman candles, last year following a long campaign by doctors and emergency service workers.

The annual fireworks bonanza on December 31 is the busiest night of the year for police, ambulance and fire services.

Attacks on first responders in recent years prompted centre-right parties such as VVD and CDA to change their position and accept the need for a ban, even though many voters see New Year fireworks as a national tradition.

30% have fireworks stashed

The task facing the police is a daunting one. A survey by RTL found that nearly 30% of people who regularly set off fireworks said they still have some left over from before the ban, but just 4% are willing to hand them in.

 

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Just seven people turned up on the first day of an amnesty in Terneuzen on September 1 to take advantage of an offer to dispose of their fireworks anonymously without risking a fine.

The amnesty runs until October 9, with police buses touring the country to collect fireworks that are no longer permitted such as rockets and fountains.

Minderhoud said the illegal fireworks trade has been taken over in recent years by criminal gangs and increasingly resembles the drugs trade. “It’s become a sideline for classic organised criminals, because there’s a lot of money to be made,” he said.

“We see armed men transporting container loads. It was a different story a few years ago.”

He urged consumers to play their part by not buying illegal fireworks at New Year. “Set a good example and abide by the law,” he said.

“It’s also very dangerous. Look at the recent incidents at football matches. If you buy fireworks despite the ban, you’re getting involved in a murky world with very dangerous stuff.”