Individuals using, transporting or selling illegal fireworks can be arrested, their cars confiscated and their businesses closed. The NYPD offers up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons possessing or distributing fireworks.
The NYPD reminds all New Yorkers to celebrate the 4th of July safely and legally this week. Through July 1, police have made 93 separate seizures of assorted illegal fireworks in various volume through arrests, vehicle check points and buy operations. The firecrackers, aerial displays, rockets and fireworks cakes confiscated so far fill more than 300 boxes and bags, from individual packages up to gallon trash bags.
Fifty-six individuals have been arrested for illegal fireworks and an additional 33 issued summonses. Fifty cars were found to have been transporting illegal fireworks, 12 of which were confiscated from their operators. Citizens are encouraged to call 311 to provide information about anyone using or selling illegal fireworks, and 911 to report crimes in progress.
Fireworks violations increase as the Fourth of July approaches. From Jan. 1 to July 5 last year the NYPD made 579 seizures of illegal fireworks, or an estimated 6,500 lbs - more than three tons - of assorted pyrotechnics. Confiscated fireworks are destroyed in controlled burns at the NYPD range in Rodman's Neck, the Bronx.