Police v firework idiots?

Question

Last night someone (who looked about 20(!)) fired a firework out of their window at me (as in, "see if you can hit that bloke"). It didn't explode (thakfully as it ended up right next to me) but it hurt my leg when it hit it.

I took the firework home with me, if I told the police about this would they actually do anything or is this yet another area of "Let's have a crackdown but do nothing if anyone ignores us"?

I'm in the UK for all you Americans, so shooting them isn't an option.

I was wondering when someone would say that Troubled Joe :)

FYI all, I called the police and they told me that unless I could ID the people I saw (which I can't as I was in the dark, they were stood with the light at their back) there is nothing they can do.

So hopefully they will be really stupid and try and give me some lip next time I walk by them in the street so I can get a better look at them.

Cheers all

Answer 1

Hope you are ok!!!!!

With all the anti-social behaviour that goes on im communities, you should really tell the police. I know that they don't have the best reputation but if we don't keep them informed then it makes it pretty difficult to do their job, and the risks these people take heighten and the consequences could get worse.

On the other hand too, this muppet might have an ASBO and an ABC (Acceptable Behaviour Contract) and it might be quite easy for the police or the ASBO co-ordinators to resolve.

I think we forget about our rights to be safe and it gets lost in this notion as to whether anything might be done about it or not...so get cracking...call 101 for some advice maybe too. Thats Police/Council linked!!!!!

Answer 2

I am glad you are ok

I always think it is worth reporting incidents to the Police and as you know the house where it was fired from, they will need to at least speak to the home owner. I agree with another poster who said they probably did it to someone else last night, so they will probably have a record of it.

I think your case would have been strengthened if you had reported it at the time. I would be interested in why you didn't.

I believe it is a sad fact we don't feel confident the Police will do something when we report a crime and we have to consider 'is it worth it?'

I don't think it is the Police's fault necessary. They have limited resources and need to employ them in the most efficient way. The amount and type of crime has changed considerably putting a strain on the force. So of course they won't be able to investigate every crime thoroughly but it still worries me.

I would give them a call, give them the details, and at the very least it will be recorded as a Guy Fawkes Night crime, which may help them argue they need more money to police the next one.

Answer 3

You know the house where the firework came from - or was it a car - if so did you get the reg no?

Either way, tell the police. Idiots like this need to be at least talked to by the police - even if they don't get charged with anything - it might make them think twice about doing the same thing again.

The police will act - but you have to tell them. It is an offense to discharge an explosive device in such a way.

Answer 4

As has always been the case since 1875, you can be arrested for throwing a firework in a public place.
Any breach of the regulations could lead to a prosecution and the person concerned could end up with a criminal record. Breachs of these regulations could mean a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
The regulations do not give police any specific powers to stop and search people or to seize and confiscate items, however existing police powers will enable us to take action in particular circumstances, for instance if we believe a person will harm themselves or others or damage property.
If we have evidence that individuals or groups of people are persistently causing nuisance, harm or distress with fireworks we can use powers under the Anti Social Behaviour Act.
****What you need to do****
Before the police can take any action, they need your information.

Answer 5

Fireworks is something which seriously needs addressing. They go on sale far to ealry and the police cannot enforce the after hours using of fireworks. Simply because by the time they get a call the fireworks have been and gone, its hard to prove and there are simply to many people using them..

Answer 6

The Police won't do anything, however when you reported the incident, I hope they gave you an incident number.

All these incidents should be logged, it acts as a steady drip of a tap. Governments try to be smug about crime figures, (most crimes go unreported).

All and every crime should be reported and a log number gained.

Glad you are OK.

Plenty of Laws in the UK, but there sure ain't no justice.

Answer 7

the only way to find out whether or not anything will be done is to tell the police. if you wait another few days=it will look like "revenge" rather than the reporting of a crime. are fireworks legal in the UK?

Answer 8

I think it may be classed as assault as shooting a firework at someone can cause them serious harm. It definitely is a matter for the police as that kind of irresponsibility could have killed you, or someone else.

Answer 9

The police will do nothing too much paperwork. Fireworks are so powerful now they should be banned except for organised events. They are weapons.

Answer 10

The police don't care I was once on the receiving end of road rage and the guy was threatening to kill me the 999 controller heard the threat and the guy got a slap on the wrist