Joint action to prevent fireworks ‘sparking trouble’ in Walsall
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Walsall Council and West Midlands Police are stepping up efforts to prevent firework misuse and anti-social behaviour ahead of Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali.
Community Protection officers and police will increase patrols in hotspot areas and town centres during the celebrations. Intelligence and local risk assessments will help direct resources where they are needed most.
The activity forms part of West Midlands Police’s Mischief Fortnight campaign, which aims to prevent anti-social behaviour and other crime across the region during the October half term.
Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team is also warning residents about the dangers of buying fireworks from unlicensed sellers or sources where sellers’ credentials cannot be verified, including informal online marketplace listings and car boot sales.
Fireworks can cause serious injury if they are unsafe or handled incorrectly. Residents should check that fireworks carry a CE or UKCA safety mark and come with clear safety instructions in English. It is illegal to sell adult fireworks or sparklers to anyone under 18.
“ Fireworks are part of the autumnal celebrations for many families, but when they are misused or sold illegally, they can cause real problems for people living nearby.
We want people to enjoy the celebrations while being considerate of their neighbours, particularly vulnerable residents and people with pets who may find the noise distressing.
Our Community Protection officers are working with West Midlands Police, with patrols focused on hotspot areas and town centres to help prevent anti social behaviour.
If you see fireworks being sold illegally or used to cause trouble, please report it. Everyone should be able to enjoy this time of year without feeling unnecessary worry. “
“ My officers will be out on streets throughout October half term and the darker nights keeping our boroughs and town centres safe. We have a great working relationship with the Community Protection officers in the local authority which allows us to have more eyes and ears on the ground spotting antisocial and dangerous behaviour.
We want to emphasise that we will be taking strong action against anyone seen or reported to be misusing fireworks. Now is the time to talk to your children and teenagers about staying safe around fireworks and keeping their valuables out of sight during the festivities.
If you have any concerns, please stop and talk to one of my officers on the street, or simply talk to us online. “
Residents planning a display at home should follow the instructions supplied with their fireworks and store them securely, away from children and animals. Letting neighbours know in advance and choosing lower noise fireworks can also help reduce the impact on people and pets.
Anyone concerned about the illegal sale of fireworks can contact Walsall Council’s Trading Standards team by emailing tradingstandards@walsall.gov.uk (opens in new tab).
By law, fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except for permitted occasions when the cut off is later. They can be used until midnight on Bonfire Night and until 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. It is also an offence to set off or throw fireworks in the street or other public places, except as part of an authorised event.
After a display, used fireworks should be soaked in water overnight before being bagged and placed in the general waste bin. Unused or partly ignited fireworks must not be put in household bins.
Residents can also choose to attend an organised display. Walsall Council’s Firework Spectacular takes place at Walsall Arboretum on Saturday 7 November 2026. Tickets and further information are available at www.ticketsource.com/healthyspaces (opens in new tab).
Concerns about fireworks being used dangerously or outside permitted hours should be reported to West Midlands Police online (opens in new tab).
Residents experiencing ongoing noise problems can report them through the Walsall Council website (opens in new tab).
