Stolen fireworks could kill
5 thousand pounds of professional fireworks stolen in our region could kill someone if they're not used properly.
That's what Heart's been told after the explosives - that aren't even available in our shops - were taken from a warehouse in Wokingham.
Thames Valley Police have told Heart they were taken from a warehouse on Waterloo Road.
PC Barry Johns, of Wokingham police station, said: “The fireworks were stolen from a storage warehouse in Wokingham, on the border of Wokingham and Bracknell. The value of fireworks is thought to be in the region of £5,000 but the exact quantity and types are unknown.
“The fireworks stolen are professional fireworks, so we are very concerned about the theft from a public safety point of view. The fireworks are designed for use by trained professionals and they are used in large displays and never sold for retail.
“The nature of some of the fireworks taken, called aerial shells are that they are designed to be launched out of metal cylinders, propelling them into the air with only a six second fuse.
“They should have a safety radius of around 100 metres – so could have fairly dire consequences in an average garden.
“The public should be aware of how dangerous these could be and only buy from businesses that have a licence to sell fireworks.”
“I would urge you to please report any suspicious person or activity, or indeed any information that would assist in tracing the whereabouts of these. fireworks.
“This can be reported on the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505 or anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service warned: “These are potentially lethal and could cause serious injuries and extensive burns when used by amateurs. They burn at high temperatures and could set surrounding items on fire. They are not designed for use outside of a professional display setting.”