Police teams ready to crackdown on Bonfire Night disorder

Specialist police resources will be deployed over the Bonfire Night period as part of a zero-tolerance approach to disorder across Nottingham and the wider county.

A dedicated operation in collaboration with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Nottingham City Council and other key partners will see multiple police units deployed to antisocial behaviour hotspot areas.

It comes after a large number of young people gathered in parts of Nottingham on Bonfire Night last year, with fireworks launched at buildings and parked vehicles.

The disorder sparked a heavy police response, with fireworks then aimed at officers and other emergency service colleagues who responded.

There were similar scenes at the same location on Bonfire Night in 2023, with ten arrests made over the two nights of disorder.

Ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night period, we have been liaising closely with key partners on a comprehensive operation designed to keep people safe across the city and county. 

Measures to prevent similar scenes taking place in communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire this year include:

Watch Superintendent Chris Pearson's full message here: https://youtu.be/22qyYO6xM3g

He said: “While many people celebrate Bonfire Night responsibly, there are a small minority who in recent years have engaged in antisocial behaviour, including fireworks misuse disorder and attacks on emergency services.

“I want to be really clear that we won’t tolerate this level of reckless and dangerous behaviour, whether it’s Bonfire Night or any time of the year. 

“Last year’s disorder was really awful and had a big impact on the local community. Likewise, police officers and other emergency service workers do not come to work to be attacked, and the level of violence directed towards them last year was wholly unacceptable.”

Although much of last year’s disorder took place outside student accommodation, it is believed the majority of the disorder was perpetrated by young people from other parts of the city.

Superintendent Pearson said the force was working closely with multiple partners ahead of this year’s fireworks events to protect all communities from lawless behaviour, wherever it takes place. 

He said: “It was pure luck there were no serious fires or injuries during last year’s disorder. Those scenes simply will not be tolerated and we are doing everything possible to prevent large-scale disorder again this year.

“That said, should any incidents occur, we have robust plans in place to mitigate the risk to the public, businesses and emergency services responding to those incidents.

“We are also working with our partners to engage heavily with communities impacted by disorder in previous years, as we are determined to ensure they feel reassured ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night period.”

Young people seeking to engage in public disorder offences are being urged to consider the impact a criminal record will have on their lives.

Superintendent Pearson added: “Our message to those who carry out this type of offending is that they risk having a criminal record that will seriously impact their life.  

“They should fully understand that a conviction may affect their liberty and their ability to lead a normal, unrestricted life. 

“Consequently, they should seriously consider the impact that this type of offending will have on them.”

For fireworks safety information, visit: Fireworks | Nottinghamshire Police

To report a crime, call 999 in an emergency and 101 for non-emergency enquiries. Other ways to contact us can be found here: Contact us | Nottinghamshire Police