Fireworks no fun for police

Hamish Heard
POLICE are hunting a gang of youths which allegedly terrorised Bellarine Peninsula residents with illegal fireworks last Saturday night.
Bellarine Police Senior Constable Lynn Brooks said residents were left distressed after answering doorbells to find exploding objects on their welcome mats.
Police were investigating at least six reports of exploding letterboxes and doormats in the Sunset Strip area of Ocean Grove and around Leopold.
“We are concerned because one young female in Ocean Grove answered the door and this firecracker just went bang,” Sen Const Brooks said.
“It could have easily caused her serious injuries.”
There were also reports of letterboxes catching fire after pranksters filled them with fireworks, she said.
“It’s a danger to people’s homes and their safety – not to mention it’s against the law,” Sen Const Brooks said.
Police were following up reports that youths were seen fleeing in a vehicle.
“We would have thought they’d be 15-years-old but obviously at least one of theme is over 18,” Sen Const Brook said.
“You’d think they would have something better to do.”
Several residents had presented Bellarine police with spent fireworks found in their yards.
They were generally cylindrical in shape and about the size of a human fist, Sen Const Brook said.
“All fireworks are illegal in Victoria so, at a guess, you’d have to say they had been ordered over the internet or purchased in a state where they aren’t illegal.”
Sen Const Brooks said police were following “a number of leads” which she said they hoped would lead to the pranksters.
“We have certain information and we’re confident that, espe cially if this continues, we’ll be able to arrest the people who are responsible,” Sen Const Brook said.