4,500 Easter bangers confiscated in run-up to Easter

Authorities have confiscated some 4,500 Easter bangers so far, as they step up efforts ahead of Easter, police spokesman Christos Andreou told Alpha TV on Tuesday.

“We are dealing with two issues. Firstly, possession and use of bangers or other types of fireworks, and the young people who gather in open spaces such near churches and schools to collect wood for the Easter bonfire,” he said.

Police customarily step-up efforts ahead of Easter, and have already confiscated about 9,000 fireworks, half of which are Easter bangers, he said.

“We are carrying out a campaign, approaching people in places where the raw materials that may be used to make homemade devices are sold and informing them that the (homemade devices) are illegal and that police should be notified,” he said.

As regards Easter bonfires, the traditional burning of Judas at midnight on Easter Saturday, Andreou said police were working with local authorities to ensure the safety of those involved, and of residents.

“We have observed cases where young people set fire to wood collected by others. In two cases in Nicosia, they set fire to wood that had been placed in buildings that are under construction, resulting in damage being caused,” he added.

In many instances, youngsters aged 12 and over are on ‘sentry’ duty where the wood is being collected up to around 2.00 am.

“We once more urge parents to exercise more control over their children,” he said.