West Midlands Police (WMP) are stepping up patrols in Bartley Green following reports of children putting fireworks though letterboxes.
Police are urging parents to be vigilant and know the whereabouts of their children following two arson attacks which happened last night (27th Oct).
The first took place where fireworks were thrown through the letterbox of a takeaway in Curdale Road at around 6.45pm. Fortunately no-one was hurt.
Fireworks were then put through the letterbox of a home in Dettenford Road shortly before 8pm which caused a fire in the hall.
Adults and children were in the home at the time but all managed to escape and no-one was hurt.
Officers are investigating both incidents and urge people with information to contact them via Live Chat on www.west-midlands.police.uk or 101.
As well as offering reassurance to residents and shopkeepers officers will also be visiting shops in the area to advise them about their responsibilities when selling fireworks.
Sergeant Bushra Zarif, Neighbourhood Policing Supervisor, said: “We have carried out reassurance patrols in the area and these will be continuing. We have dedicated officers responding to anti-social behaviour in the area.
“Officers are encouraging local businesses to be mindful of selling fireworks to young people likely to misuse them.”
Superintendent Sally Simpson, from the Local Command Team, said: “These incidents were nasty and could have been so much worse.
“We would urge parents to be vigilant and keep an eye on children and their whereabouts.
“We traditionally see an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour at this time of year and ultimately this impacts people’s feeling of safety.
“Its getting dark early now and with the clocks set to change soon that will be even earlier, we understand this makes some people feel more unsafe.”
A WMP spokespersons said: “Reports of people recklessly playing with or misusing fireworks is not uncommon at this time of the year but this dangerous behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
“If you’re having an ongoing problem with people setting off fireworks, please report this anti-social behaviour to us via Live Chat on 101. Remember – if someone is in immediate danger or there are injuries call 999.”
If a local shop is selling fireworks to people under the age of 18, please report it to your local Trading Standards.”
Visit WMP’s darker nights webpage for more advice and tips in keeping safe www.west-midlands.police.uk/campaigns/darker-nights/asb
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