The wick has been lit on the NYPD’s 4th of July fireworks crackdown.
During last week’s 66th Precinct Community Council meeting, Inspector Peter DiBlasio said that he and his officers are actively searching for sellers of illegal fireworks.
As the holiday approaches, cops from the 66th Precinct, which protects Borough Park and parts of Midwood and Kensington, are participating in a city-wide initiative to keep the city as quiet as possible this July 4.
“We will be confiscating fireworks,” DiBlasio told members of the 66th Precinct Community Council Thursday. “Illegal fireworks are dangerous, so if you know of someone selling them, you should let us know. We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
DiBlasio explained that precincts throughout the borough are looking to find illegal fireworks sellers before they get rid of their merchandise.
So far this year, cops in Patrol Borough Brooklyn South haven’t reported any large firework seizures.
But that doesn’t mean that the police shouldn’t remain vigilant.
“Firework prevention is a major initiative in keeping our communities safe,” Chief Joseph Fox, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South said in a statement. “Illegal fireworks injure many and can permanently disfigure those who use them.”
Cops have been spreading the word about their hunt for illegal fireworks since as far back as April by providing residents with posters and fliers about the dangers of illegal fireworks. The police department has also provided phone numbers that one can use to report illegal sales of fireworks.
“Rest assured that those who use or distribute these dangerous items will be arrested,” Fox said, adding that a $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a “fireworks violator.”
Penalties for those caught with illegal fireworks range from a $750 fine to the repossession of the resident’s car if the fireworks were found in the vehicle.
Cops are asking anyone with information regarding illegal fireworks in their area to come forward.
For in progress crimes regarding illegal fireworks, one can contact 911. To dispense information about firework sellers in your neighborhood, one can call 311.
All calls will be kept confidential.
