Residents fed up with illegal fireworks

REPORTS of illegal fireworks in St Leonards have surfaced with residents getting fed up with the unlawful activity.

Unknown offenders set off a series of illegal fireworks over three consecutive days at the weekend, prompting community members to contact police.

Local resident Alan Daniels Dolezal said he believed the illegal fireworks were set off on a private property at a neighbouring estate.

“Three nights in a row this has been happening and what concerns me is the fact these fireworks can start fires,” he said.

“The last thing I want is my house going up in flames due to people setting off illegal fireworks.”

Mr Daniels Dolezal, whose property borders a fence to a vacant lot, said it felt like a personal attack and he was fearful for his daughter and pet dog who enjoy playing in their backyard.

Many legal New Year’s Eve firework displays have been cancelled and there is a growing fear that more people will decide to take it upon themselves to light up the sky.

In previous years St Leonards has been identified among widespread explosions across the Bellarine during New Year’s Eve celebrations ,with one man injuring himself in 2018.

Despite the triple offence over the weekend, Sergeant Grant Langmaid of Ocean Grove Police station said St Leonards was not a hotspot.

“It is all over the place – we get calls to illegal fireworks everywhere on the Bellarine,” he said.

“No one spot is exempt from it.”

The City confirmed this month that firework displays would be cancelled to prevent large groups of people form gathering as COVID-19 continues to loom.

The City’s acting director economy, investment and attraction, Tim Ellis, said the safety of residents and visitors was a top priority.

“We understand many people will be disappointed by this, but the cancellation of our New Year’s Eve fireworks is sadly unavoidable in order to ensure the safety of our community,” Mr Ellis said.

“You can get together with family and friends at one of our hospitality venues or embrace the space with a picnic in a park.”

Sgt Langmaid said despite the cancellation of legal displays, the Bellarine police unit are not preparing any differently.

“Every New Year’s Eve we tackle this like we do everything else,” he said.

“Fireworks are unauthorised and are illegal to use unless you have a permit.”

Under the Crimes Act illegally obtaining fireworks is considered to be possession of an explosive that can be punishable by 15 years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.

If you have any information about illegal fireworks, please contact WorkSafe on 1800 136 089.