Scotland Firework Misuse

We've launched our annual campaign, supported by Scottish Government's Building Safer Communities, aiming to tackle firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting, and to encourage people to contact us 100% anonymously if they know or suspect someone is involved.

Firework misuse can have a massive impact on communities in Scotland, with some local areas experiencing ongoing and sustained anti-social behaviour and risk to life linked to fireworks.

In some communities people may be afraid to engage with those responsible for anti-social behaviour for fear of being targeted, which is why our anonymous service is so valuable.

Our campaign complements two national Scottish Government campaigns, and provides extra support for areas in Edinburgh, Glasgow and West Lothian which have experienced higher levels of firework misuse. These communities have been involved in the preparation of the campaign.
 

“With no public displays this year, some communities could be at increased risk of serious firework misuse and deliberate fire-setting. Firework misuse puts people, property and pets at risk, so we have worked closely with a range of partners to devise a campaign that will enable local people to fully understand the law around misuse of fireworks, and the penalties.
 
“Last year, our charity in Scotland received 63 pieces of information that helped prevent attacks, fire-setting and serious misuse, so we know, together we can make Bonfire Night safer for everyone.”

“The Scottish Government’s ambition is for all of Scotland’s communities to be safe places for everyone to live, work and enjoy. We all have a part to play in making that vision a reality.
 
“Misuse of fireworks can be hugely damaging and distressing and will not be tolerated. I would encourage anyone who witnesses or has information about criminality relating to fireworks to report it so that action can be taken to prevent further harm to our communities.   
 
“Crimestoppers’ unique reporting service allows people to provide information about crime entirely anonymously. By using this service people can help to prevent, detect and solve crime within their local community.”

Our campaign is also complemented by our youth programme, Fearless.org, raising awareness among 11-18-year-olds about the risks, and encouraging anonymous reporting about planned attacks and deliberate fire-raising.
 

Underage sales of fireworks

We are also encouraging people to let us know about anyone who's selling fireworks to underage people.

In Scotland, it is illegal to sell outdoor fireworks to anyone who is younger than 18 years old. And it is illegal to sell indoor fireworks (such as sparklers) to anyone who is younger than 16 years old.
 

Other contact numbers

In an emergency: contact Police or Fire on 999
Non-emergency: Police Scotland 101
Underage sales: Scotland Trading Standards Office (and for unsafe or unlicenced storage by shops and dangerous fireworks)

If you know or suspect who is misusing fireworks or causing deliberate fires in your area, or selling them illegally, you can contact us 100% anonymously. Your computer's IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted us. For telephone calls, we have have no caller line display, no 1471 facility and have never traced a call.