Concerns ahead of New Year for new fireworks being shot – tougher laws against blue light sabotage
There is some concern in the Crime Prevention Council ahead of Christmas and New Year according to Chairman Radovan Javurek (L)
In recent years, blue light workers in Kristianstad have been attacked with fireworks during New Years.
”Shooting at ambulances that are trying to save people’s lives is completely, completely unacceptable”Anders Olofsson, local police area manager
Firework rules
Kristianstad Municipality: You’re only allowed to shoot fireworks in a public place between 6 pm on New Year's Eve and 2 am on New Year's Day. You must be at least 18 years old, sober and follow the instructions. Any other time requires a permit from the police.
Hässleholm Municipality: Fireworks can only be used from 6 pm on 31st December until 2 am on January 1st in a public place. Any other time requires a permit from the police.
You need to keep a distance of at least 100 metres from hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities.
– Shooting at ambulances that are trying to save people’s lives is completely, completely unacceptable, says Anders Olofsson, local police area manager.
Radovan Javurek (L), says:
– It’s completely inconceivable.
It was worst at Charlottesborg a few years ago. Last year, police were attacked in Gamlegården during a car fire.
Ambulances were attacked at both Charlottesborg and Vilan.
”Now you can be prosecuted for sabotage against blue light workers”Martin Thornell Municipal police.
Law against blue light sabotage
The law was made more stringent on January 1st, 2020. It is a crime to "seriously impede" police, firefighters or ambulance personnel while they are working. It is a crime to use violence or threats of violence, to damage emergency vehicles and more.
The maximum penalty for blue light sabotage is 4 years imprisonment. If the crime is serious, the punishment is imprisonment for 2-18 years or life.
Despite everything, the police think that last year's New Year's Eve in Kristianstad was calmer.
The police and the municipality are working on several preventive measures, including letters to parents.
– And this year we have another tool. A new law came into force on January 1st. Now you can be prosecuted for sabotage against blue light workers, says Martin Thornell Municipal police.
