Nicosia residents speak up against firecrackers

Concerned citizens are alarmed over the illegal use of firecrackers outside APOEL football club in Nicosia, where reports said teens were having fun with firecrackers ending up in the busy street.

According to 24News, concerned citizens contacted the media outlet to complain about illegal firecrackers causing combustion and loud noise near the Hilton area and surrounding neighbourhoods.

In one case, a number of firecrackers were launched at oncoming vehicles from the premises of Apoel club, right across from The Hilton hotel and very close to the Cyprus Central Bank. Police were notified but when officers arrived at the scene, nothing suspicious had been found.

While firecrackers and sparklers have been traditionally used during Easter celebrations, police say all types of firecrackers are illegal.

“All of them, all types of firecrackers are illegal, anytime, anywhere,” a press officer told Knews on Wednesday.

A police statement was also issued on Tuesday calling on the public to comply with state laws, especially warning teenagers not to engage in any sort of manufacturing of illegal firecrackers.

Law enforcement officers are also said to be increasing their visits to convenience stores and hunting shops, asking owners to be vigilant in refusing to sell items that could be used to make firecrackers to any person under the age of 18.

According to experts, homemade firecrackers are fairly easy to make but very highly dangerous. Firecrackers are made with highly flammable materials and other easily accessible items including thick string, ping pong balls, duct tape, and nail polish.

It was pointed out to Knews that a term search online could also yield results on how to make weed edible fire crackers, which are considered cannabis treats and could also be illegal.

Many serious injuries including amputations and even deaths have been blamed on the illegal use of firecrackers in Cyprus, especially during lambradjia bonfires.

Police said officers will be patrolling church yards during Holy Saturday’s midnight mass and on Easter Day on April 28, where most firecracker activities take place.